Do a full loan application, let them pull credit (you have three scores they will use and the model run for mortgage purposes is typically a little lower than what you are viewing).

Think of a mechanic that is telling you to buy Car Model A over Car Model B... they are the ones in a position to know that Car Model B breaks down all the time, based on what they see rolling (or being towed) into their shop. 

What could I expect from speaking with their representative other than just a walk through of the model homes?

There are tons of resources on this site to help. depends on your definition of wholesaling  our state Oregon does not agree with wholesaling as defined as advertising properties you don't own and your business model is to never actually own then or just double escrow them.I got tired of this debate so I got a flyer from 2 wholesalers and forwarded them to the state for enforcement.. if any ..

If the norm for a duplex in the area is that the tenant does lawn care I would stick with that model, you could add an addendum to your lease that says XX dollars is charged if there are any citations against the property.  

But they were simply to easy to approve my business model which was not just vanilla flip loan. ( keep in mind I have been a HML for decades so I know the industry plus I am NMLS licensed mortgage banker )  but anyway they were just too quick to say yup your approved send in 10k for due diligence to go to the next step..

@John Jacobus your business model looks great, out of curiosity, why do you not invest in CA, FL, and LA?

The fallout was inescapable: Nearly one in three homes went into foreclosure.Today, the community of North Las Vegas, encompassing the 89031 ZIP code, is the model of the recovery that has swept the nation.

I keep getting told that the underwriters are going to see that I'm taking advantage of the rate/down payment (even if I truly move there which I would).We have clients do the Nomad model of buying a home as an owner occupant with low down payments, live there for a year and then convert it to a rental after a year all the time... sequentially... doing it more than once and have not had any problems at all.

And then liability....a model just won a multimillion dollar lawsuit over bedbugs.