Investment product marketers who claim to be GPs, GPs who claim “ownership”, insurance salesman who claim to be “financial advisors”, people who attended an executive training program claiming to have an MBA, what ever happened to honesty?  

Personal use - if you or your family used the property for personal purposes, you will need this to factored in. 

Many require that you keep funds separate from personal funds.

Recently had a conversation with an MLO who had their license with Company A (NMLS regulated) and then on the side, this person conducted commercial-only business loan-related activity by starting their own LLC (company B) in the states where no mortgage licenses are required.

I will make that proposal to the person I am talking and see where it goes.

In my experience, most have limited product offerings.

There are multiple potential strategies it's just really going to depend on your personal situation. 

I'm now finally here in person, and have started to go view places in person with the intent of purchasing. 

Quote from @Dereck Olson: Hi Nicholas,  Just a thought from the possible tenant's perspective, but filling out a prequalification form and/or providing personal information before they have even seen a place and know if they will be interested in living in the property might be a bit too much to ask. 

House hacking is the BEST way to get into real estate investing and that's how I personally got started as well too.