Smaller banks are more personable (at leas what I found after venturing out) and you can get to know who the loan officers are so when you have questions they don't mind helping you.Recently, I was searching for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) and went to a smaller local bank that just happen to have a presence in other cities, nothing like Chase, WF, or BofA but nonetheless they have a small presence.

@Michael Le, as I scale my business I'm sure there will be a time where I won't be able to do the work myself anymore and will be the project manager instead of the actual labor.

they give you a mortgage, and you be in first lien position. otherwise you could buy it, and do a Land Contract with them, or do a Leas option, just get enough option money, or down payment, that you are protected. 

Yeah, unfortunately this is just another example of some "investor/wholesaler" getting in the middle of some sandwich leas option type deal, likely to blow up.A couple of questions, the "didn't complete the short sale" sets off an alarm bell.Is title still in the original owner's name, as opposed to the guy who "sold" it to you on a lease option?

I am at leas hoping to hold the property for another 5 maybe 10 years.

Many federal laws may apply, the UCC, Fair Trade/Advertising, The Land Sale Act, Civil Rights laws go beyond race, Red Lining laws, The Trade and Services Act and an alphabet soup of agency regulations. 

Here's there FAQ's https://www.renthelpmn.org/lea...I'd suggest you sell the tenants.  

Lea

@Nhan Le, as Chris noted, you are likely fine, since there was no contract.  

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment in Albert Lea.