I think this is very accurate assessment of community banks and portfolio banks.. but for all the other fannie freddie govmit backed loans that investor and especially homeowners use its a non starter. 

I'd love to utilize their expertise when assessing a property since they are local but I'm not sure what the general expectation is when I don't have a tangible property and I have not entered into contract to work with them yet.Some questions I have are: local regulations/permitting timeline, property's potential from their perspective, landscaping/amenities cost estimate (they also help facilitate this).

I'd love to utilize their expertise when assessing a property since they are local but I'm not sure what the general expectation is when I don't have a tangible property and I have not entered into contract to work with them yet.Some questions I have are: local regulations/permitting timeline, property's potential from their perspective, landscaping/amenities cost estimate (they also help facilitate this).

To evaluate an advisor, consider their track record, flexibility, and compatibility with your goals.

None of these originators are allowed to assess you as a higher risk because you paid off a mortgage early. 

I would also recommend looking at cities close to Greenville, like Anderson, Easley, & Simpsonville as well since Greenville can be competitive unless you are looking at off-market deals.Also the non-occupancy tax would be based on the tax assessed value of the property and not the income it produces.

Mount Airy in particular is probably the most difficult neighborhood in Philadelphia to learn and there's no way you can do so from a computer reviewing rental rates and crime assessments. 

And the calculation windows for when interest is assessed would probably surprise most people, it's generally not what one thinks it is so often waiting to that statement does often incur interest charges. 

But I like the idea of finding someone to help analyze and assess risk!

Your desire for control and liquidity are likely the two biggest assessments you need to make first, as this will start to narrow down your choices very quickly.