Target neighborhoods near Bradley University, research rents, join real estate investment groups, connect with local agents, use the 1% rule, prepare for financing, and seek advice on cash flow and property analysis.Good luck!

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

I would also show up at local REI meetups to see who others are talking to in order to fill their MTR units.

Talk to your agent to get a little more information about this.I agree that if the unit is not permitted to be rented on its own, then it's probably best that you don't rent on any platform illegally.However, if you are able to allow access to the main part of the house, you may be able to rent the space as a room in a home depending on local laws and ordinances.

Additionally, you might want to look into local real estate meetings.

If you want to connect and build relationships with local investors, going to real estate investor meetups in-person is the way to go.

It is a personification of the complete ineptitude of local bureaucracy.

That being said, I approached a local DSCR lender who refuses to look at my specific rental strategy in underwriting. 

Will you stay local and on base or have the potential to be deployed?

I always recommend attending a few local investor meetups if you're looking to connect with more investors in your area.