it would be like absolving the soldiers in Germany in 1939 from any guilt whatsoever.

And we will not be upgrading our lifestyle whatsoever just because we are moving to a lower cost of living state because the idea is to start purchasing 1-2 properties as actual investments now that we won't be stuck in California.

The problem with your comment here is that "Knowing what I know now, I would own a lot more cash flowing assets" has nothing whatsoever to do with "allows me to live wherever I want".All it means to me is "Knowing what (you) know now", you'd be more disciplined with your income, which is a much different topic. 

I have had a DUNS number for 30 years (I had a consulting business) and the DUNS number has never been of any benefit whatsoever in my real estate investing. 

Just keep in mind, House hacking is a great way to start with low down payment but is also a situation where you are leveraged to the teeth so proper management, maintenance and budgeting is going to be crucial for your success!

My goal is to cut my teeth in real estate investing with this rural portfolio and then potentially move into other markets as well.

It should not affect you whatsoever. 

Investor, on Investor’s own behalf or on behalf of its successors and assigns(collectively, “Releasors”), hereby unconditionally and irrevocably releases and forever discharges Legacy POL, POL SPV and each of their respective past, present, and future direct and indirect representatives, officers, directors, employees,affiliates, relatives, stockholders, controlling persons, subsidiaries, successors, and assigns (individually, a “Releasee” and collectively, “Releasees”) from any and all claims, actions, causes of action, orders, obligations, contracts, agreements, debts, damages, and liabilities whatsoever, whether known or unknown, accrued or unaccrued, suspected or unsuspected, both at law and in equity (collectively, “Liabilities”), which any Releasor now has, has ever had, or may hereafter have against any Releasee for, upon or by reason of any matter, cause, or thing whatsoever arising out of or relating to thePurchased Notes or the other Purchased Assets, any amounts owed on or rights arising under or with respect to the Purchased Notes, the Indenture, the Underlying Loans, the Crowd Platform or any transaction or agreement contemplated thereby or related thereto (collectively, the “Released Liabilities”).

That was my first rental home i cut my teeth on.

People who have rental income only (after all expenses, as folks have pointed out) and nothing else whatsoever I think is pretty unusual.