I'd recommend finding a local lender as opposed to a national lender as they will understand what you do better and be more flexible.

I have gone thru four lenders and although at first they said they can do it they eventually come back with only 65% LTV.One of the reasons is because I am a foreign national.

And if you want to jump in the deep end of education, go on the national reia cruise. days at sea with education education education on many topics and areas of investing, days in port to enjoy, but education to overload if you choose. 

There are ways to eliminate surfaces that a child could bite such as capping the baseboards with a piece of half round.Since you are in Massachusetts if the home has National Grid or Eversource there are incentives to insulate the home through the Mass Save program.

New Haven, CT has had the lowest renter vacancy rate in the nation for a few years now.

I have listened to numerous podcasts lately and most advice I have heard is to start locally. 

I have been sending numerous emails and a few phone calls to various financial institutions looking to see what I may be pre-approved for.

There are numerous types and uses of property that qualify and it is up to you and your accountant to be comfortable with your treatment and intent for qualification of the property.  

Welcome to BP @Ben Miller I can't specifically help you, but search both here and Google for Meetup and REIA in Plano. the national REIA site has a list of all the clubs nationwide.

Austin Business Journal says a recent report lists Austin as the second riskiest market in the nation for a price downturn.