I like the idea of starting in a backyard neighborhood or 2 and farming the heck out of it.  

Much of this work, certainly the showing of the properties, can be farmed out to Leasing Agents, who will generally charge about 1 month's rent. 

Hello Detroit and Metro Detroit investors, I thought I had settled on a farm area, but it looks like the housing is a little too competitive at this point.

This will be your Farming Area.

I finally tracked him down through one of his references (his pastor of all things). 

Hi All, While shifting gradually (15 years) from IT to real estate (10 years now F/T) and building a portfolio for self and others I'm actively pursuing to unlock equity in order to ramp up either residential or mixed use value-add properties in designated farms in Central to Northern New Jersey.Always open to J/V, sharing & learnig for a win-win.Chees!

I also own a farming business (www.HealthyHenFarms.com) with my wife and 6 kids where we produce and direct market organic, pasture raised chicken to our customers in the Raleigh area.I've dabbled in real estate off and on for 20 years, mainly turning primary residences into rentals as we have moved across the country (NC, CA, GA, VA) over the years. 

Hence I farmed it out to a fantastic bookkeeper I found on BP.  

As far as the 1st question, lenders farm out the appraisals unless you are getting a home equity so I don't think a specific lender does or does not give more favorable appraisals.   

They look like a one-stop-shop for all of your farming needs, starting at $650/month.