We took an Ag zoning to Commercial then allowed a Special Use to Self Storage which is Industrial. 

I don't think it is a bad idea to find work in real estate somehow as it will allow you to be comfortable with being around it in general, such as a property management company.

Our negotiation approach focused on building rapport with the seller, allowing us to secure the property below market value.

Real estate often rewards patience, and holding in a market like this can allow you to build wealth steadily as property values grow.

What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.?

I am guessing you like the numbers you see in Strawberry Mansion and Norristown (Montco not Philly) but do you know for a fact that at those numbers, you can do a full gut rehab and be at a number that will allow you to profit, and along the way make some sizable mistakes especially if this is your first project . . . 

Plus, FHA loans often allow you to buy multifamily properties with as little as 3.5% down if you live in one unit.Looking at Chicago, where you're based, I’ve noticed some interesting trends recently.

Scotia Bank in Costa Rica will allow you to open up an larger account as 'business owner' if you own your properties in an LLC but the process of opening an account is much more difficult. 

Having no obligation allows us to invest more (or at least it feels like).2.

What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.?