I do recommend something to collect rent that is NOT check, Venmo, CashApp, Zelle one day one.

I personally like the credit card balance transfer check route, since it's interest-free for a decent amount of time (aside from an initial 3.00% fee). 

Try connecting with local real estate groups in Huntsville—Check out Meetup.com and here on Biggerpockets!

I'm sure there are likely articles and posts on the BP blogs about this very topic, don't be hesitant to check those out.  

Should I check into local smaller banks here or Credit Unions? 

I don't know that Crexi has any information on the owners, just data on multi and apartments.Based on a Zoom call I was on last week it sounds like Crexi is stepping its game up trying to compete in the CRE world.

Here is one example, check out this thread from a few years ago: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/93/topics/889922-i-got-...

Wife and I would prefer the lake house we haven’t bought yet as it checks all the boxes, but might be worth having 2 properties right next to each other. 

And for the best cocktails, check out Idlewild in NoDa – they’ve made some of the best drinks I’ve ever had.Hopefully, this gives you a starting point if you’re thinking of moving to Charlotte.

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.