Wanted to see if anyone has had any similar experiences with credit unions or smaller banks that originate their own loan. 

(direct lenders, brokers, credit unions etc)   Happy to chat further and in deeper detail on strategy for this. 

Honestly, as a RE agent, I worked mainly with military PCSers and didn't have a lot of opportunities to work with or build a portfolio of investors.

A lot of them are union labor.

Once RE start going down Sharemarkets will follow, foreclosures, blood on Wall Street, more war and military activity, study history, study Phil J Anderson, Fred Harrison, Akhil Patel. 

However if they are on limited income, military disability, SS, pension and they are currently paying a similar rent, no major other payment, I will waive the requirement.

Try Agcredit or similar for your area, local banks, credit unions, etc.

The high speed rail has some approval: The high-speed rail station in Merced is environmentally cleared to be located adjacent to State Route (SR) 99 and the Union Pacific Railroad (UPPR) line on SR 59 – also known as Martin Luther King Jr.

Whatever that lender's requirement is, that is what they will require2) If you want the best favorable terms, apply to 3-6 companies - make sure you have a mix of mortgage broker, local credit union, and a mortgage bank.

I have not chosen any particular states but I would love to invest in near the military base.