My mission is to identify and invest in properties that can provide affordable housing solutions, contributing positively to the community and helping alleviate the housing crisis.

However, the examples you provide that “changed your mind” about success of absentee business ownership are either not business ownership but real estate ownership, or not absentee but multiple unit active management.  

I would love to connect with you and see if I could provide value. 

I think self management would be very doable for you and your spouse provided you either buy decent units or get them renovated quickly minimizing the need for time consuming repairs.

Could anybody provide me with suggestions for promising investment areas or any other advice?

Once the RFTA is submitted, they will notify you if the full rent has been approved and provide initial inspection details.

General tips: design for the target demographic and go above and beyond whatever the competition is doing, ie if the competition has a hot tub and a pool, make sure you have a hot tub and a pool AND a game room, etc.

There are some interior designers who provide these services, but you may have to search a bit to find what you are looking for.

Maybe because they're handed so many things for free they don't have much skin in the game or something I don't know.

Online resources, real estate forums, and local investor meetups can also provide valuable insights and practical advice from those who have firsthand experience with seller financing and flipping properties.