In my opinion, I would not take the advice you received regarding using OPM is you have no experience in investing in real estate.I would also not look to be a private lender for several reasons1) You are better off putting your money with a corporate bond / CD and get 5-6% with little risk compared to 10% to 12% with much more risk given today's market conditions2) You won't be able to retire getting interest income, which you said is your goal.

Is the individual you meet the BD salesman who passes you off to some inexperienced PM that just started working there or are they involved in the day to day?

It auctioned off to some online bidder for 30k! 

For example if there's a door connecting their unit to your unit you would need to either wall that off or replace with a fire door and keep that bolted. 

If he moves in for 3 months, during that 3 months the First 3 months of the five year clock fall off and that more than 3 years of being a rental is still in the last 5 years. 

We have a hospital nearby and some of the physicians work 7-on 7-off and live a few hours away.

Are there any hidden gems or trends you think are about to take off?

Thank you What was the reasoning for wanting to pay off the rental?

Don't get into Enclosed right off the bat. 

For example I cold call property owners for off market deals for the developers and investors I work with.