Not sure about his experience with SD fraud but if he can’t help I bet he can point you in the right direction. 

A 50% LTV loan is a pretty safe bet so you'll probably be able to get somebody to bite assuming you're willing to pay the points/higher interest.Another option would be to contact some credit unions in the CT market you're property is located in.

@Alex Silang I am not claiming to be an expert but I think your best bet would be to look for a turnkey provider in a place conveniently close to you and see if they would be willing to give you a role in what they do - maybe doing something you are already good at, so they benefit, and in return you see and learn what they do.I am suggesting this because in my line of work there are many many people with academic and theoretical knowledge but they often haven't ever really applied any of it.

Driving for dollars seems to be our best bet as of now.

My wife's tiny little home town in West Texas suddenly got a big boost as they found a bunch of oil nearby the other year and suddenly all bets were off.

So areas like that are not a smart bet compared with more urban areas.

Taking on underfunded investment properties can become very stressful financially and emotionally.Remember - if you decide to wade in now "Cash Flow is king" meaning it needs to cash flow when you buy it don't bet on being able to significantly increase the rent to improve cash flow.Good Luck!   

., but as someone with zero experience, would the single family lot be my best bet?

I bet they will market/sell your phone number.

At this stage of your life/career, your best bet is to maximize your savings into liquid assets (ETFs should be you go to option - Vanguard, Fidelity or Blackrock).