If they are VERY professional, they will have their processes in writing as verification that policies are enforced equally and fairly by their entire staff.6.

No eviction protection so since you gave to settle on someone with and low 600s credit score if you have to go to court they get to charge for their time on that. 

If you are in a high fire zone, the California Fair Plan is likely your best bet.

Calling me a "newbie" would give me too much credit, but I do want to house hack when we move, and then look into rental properties if I manage to be a decent landlord.

So I learned the business of Construction through flipping as far as how it should look, fair pricing, the language of contracts, but with Nate I learned the strategic strategy and ready to get started building my portfolio! 

Build your credit.

He spent $500k more than what I believe was fair market value.

Connect with local investors through real estate investment groups, attending housing fairs, and speaking with property managers familiar with the LSU rental market.Good luck!

Make sure to get fairly fast internet if you'll host a lot of guests. 

He's a major hard money lender in town and has a fairly simple process to get quick funding.