I've dealt with a lot of clients where it takes awhile to suss out all of the details to determine if we were a fit for each other.

You either fit into their box or you don't.

There are recommended screening companies there which you can do some research on to see what company best fits your screening needs. 

This is def a project you are going to want to get a few professional opinions on and choose the one that fits your needs and plan.

Then, you could have been analyzing deals to see which areas fit your criteria and make the most of the trip by only looking at the most relevant properties.There are too many active buyers who know exactly what they want to buy and when it comes available they buy it immediately.

But what are other questions that would make it clear a lender was or was not going to be a good fit. 

Even if it didn't fit perfectly the bank will go to 80% on noncommercial loans so if the appraisal came in higher than purchase and rehab it was still less down.

Take inventory of your skill set and see what fits best for you and then do that. 

With that said, it's up to you and your wife to come up with a plan that best fits you. 

@Jose Garcia how are you finding the potential properties that might be a fit for what you are looking for?