It sounds like you have some business narrowing to do yet to determine the best investment route that fits you, your skills, your resources, and overall goals.

So, you are able to select loan products that are a closer fit to your individual needs, but they may be a little harder to find, as there are few central marketplaces for them. 

The current tenant was currently on a month-to-month lease agreement and I plan on keeping that the same when I move in to make sure things are a good fit.

Don't have any idea how that fits for your area.

No idea what your skill set is, so maybe that fits you perfectly.

That being said, there are undoubtedly benefits to having a good partner. 3 Benefits to Partnership:Benefit #1 Have a True Sounding Board If it’s the right fit you have someone who is on board, understands the vision, and problem solves with you.

If they don't know what it is, go find another lender because they will not be the right fit on your team. 

I found it on my own using a couple real estate agents in the Myrtle Beach area until I found something that fit my criteria How did you finance this deal?

Redfin's AA seemed like a good fit, but one of their in-house recruiters told me that they aren't hiring AAs in my market right now.

If you have the buyer upfront and partner with him, you can then search for that deal that fits the criteria instead of contracting offers in hopes you find a buyer.