I am actually in your situation as i have invested in Kansas while stationed overseas. best way in my opinion is to find key players that can help you while help themselves in real estate deals. find people looking for a win-win situation.- Jimmy

This not something the national lenders can do because they'll all require an appraisal (whereas the local lenders usually don't need one).However, where the national lenders compete is pricing. 

I would just use one agent that way you know that one person is focusing on you and the best deal for you and not also competing with the other agent even though they are splitting the commission agents still want to be the one that brings the best offer and buyer.

Most business owners start up on a shoe string budget and if things don't go as they plan them ( which is almost perfection of course to make the numbers work..lol ) they go out of business.Even though you have a small market sometimes regional players will still go in there versus mom and pops.

Fortunately I did learn early through Brian Buffini's client appreciation program how important it was to communicate at least monthly with everyone I knew in a way that showed both character and competence.

Hey everyone, I’m a California based REI, and I’m competing on a multi property deal in NE Detroit (Harper Woods).

However, my family and friends had all dedicated time and money to come out and watch me compete this weekend.

the HML have entered the space about 3 years ago. and I am sure a big enough player could get a Hedgefund family office type of arrangement.. although I have never really seen them competitive with best bank rates.and those guys including HML set up their draws etc exactly like a bank and frankly are more clunky than banks. 

My goal is to become THE dominate player in debt investing (not just mortgages) in my state and help out the residents in my state by getting them to pay their loans. 

He spends his time and may even spend some money to advertise the unit, but he it competing with another agent who may find a tenant first and he loses all his time and the money he invested.I am a plumbing contractor and there are many times I feel like beating the crap out of people.