I have spoken to our local zoning official and he is very helpful and a positive source of help and information!

(I'm sticking to a a rough full-time hours estimate for this post but you CAN hire a part-time worker too, of course, as your work increases and the position becomes full-time)Keep in mind that you're providing someone employment and an income that they'll rely on.

He needs $19,000 to bring his first position loan current.  

There are positives and negatives; all his books are great and I'm finding that you really have to pick and choose wisely. 

If I buy a 2 unit home that is tested positive for lead and I live in one unit (with no kids) can I just de-lead the unit that I will be renting out to help reduce cost?  

My personal opinion is (I want to build long term wealth in addition to my 40 hr a week job) that building a cash flow positive tenant based investment portfolio with covered risk is the best way to build long term wealth.Thanks for your input!

What is in it for them to offer all these features.I am not positive on this but I would assume they get a kick back on the credit check service and background service that is provided by a third party to the Landlords.

over the next couple of months, after the holiday, we will spend time and money into our primary to position ourselves as best as we can be with regards to the highest sale price. 

They have a positive online reputation.

You are going to be asking some loan officers to spend their time and resources without getting any positive results, so also be sensitive to their time and efforts as well.