Also, they receive calls on a regular basis from people who need to sell their used homes.

I would be grateful if you are willing to share your OA text .... w/ identities removed of course. 

You’d apply through a regular lender, and qualify with typical credit scoring methods.  

But I don’t want to rent out whole house because then I don’t have regular access and rental income is much less.

Ive done this, no different than a regular BRRRR if you pay cashif you finance the initial purchase it's MUCH harder because you have to find a house that is move in ready that allows financing, but also distressed enough that you can add a ton of equity.

The community has a strong identity.

He's single, he pays regularly and he is not "high maintenance." 

Income from sources other than regular operations is taxable.

You can get a premium tenant and a premium price in exchange for helping them to buy.My experience with regular tenants is that even the good ones are constantly calling you about little nonsense issues.

So for now I’m working my regular job and saving and learning the basics of REI before I make any moves.