I'm looking for ideas/suggestions not to do house hacking anymore 

If your paying out of pocket I would suggest considering using a construction loan.

As you begin your RE journey might I suggest using this website as an easy go-to.

I wonder if I could reach out to any local brokers who would know of investors that perform these loans, since none of the traditional lenders do.  

Update the seller's agent suggested a reduction in price.

I've only done two exchanges, so am no expert, but I don't think what you suggest would conform to 1031 guidelines. 

My simple math suggests that you probably have to shell out $600k in cash (25% down + furnishing, travel, and make ready costs) for the privilege of losing $1,000-$5,000 per month.

I do get you having some concern maybe going into winter in WI and wondering if tenant activity will be there to fill a vacancy (with lots of leases and moving around happening spring-summer).  

He suggested I call the Sheriff Deputy who was my POC. 

Do you have suggestions on how best to do that research?