RE agent, I currently reside in IL and interested in potentially investing in the Columbus or Dayton areas.

I'd suggest speaking with an agent who also househacks.

I’ve heard from a few other agents that have transferred to some of the virtual brokerages that it’s not as great as it all may seem.

Also, any recommendations for an STR-friendly agent?

and to house hack you'll need to get an agent and a lender and then... go look at a bunch of properties. and it might take MONTHS. and you might have to look at dozens of properties.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Wholesalers are just like agents who take a fee for connecting buyer and seller.

Should we try to get in contact with the agent/company that issued the policy directly to get some clarification?

the risk of a lender calling the loan is real but it does not happen very often as long as the terms of the note are adhered to..

I found Foremost, who would take new clients with a loss history, but they are not able to insure a condo policy.I also tried working with insurance agents but have not been successful so far.If anyone has a recommendation for a great agent or an insurance company, I would greatly appreciate it.