With your loan amount it's likely you will encounter a full-recourse lender as most of the non-recourse lenders prefer loans above 1MM.Your friend has either cultivated relationships with lenders who will cater to his wants based on a long track record of permanence or he is playing in a deeper pool than you are currently where he has non-recourse options available due to higher loan amounts.I wouldn't put too much stock in what he said as it's more common to get a full-recourse loan than a non-recourse one.

And also, what would be the best location to make your signs permanent?

Lost my last job 3 years ago and have been unable to find permanent work.

You would not expect them to dig a trench or do permanent improvements.  

It's a unique market there - most people in town are permanent renters.

On the other hand if you are seeking to buy and hold then you'll need more permanent financing.  

But the thing is making a "fixed" tiny house (on foundation with permanent utilities) is no different, building/zoning wise, than building a small 2/2, 1000 sq.ft., dual master, economy ranch... which is my plan.

This latest time around is likely to be more long-term to permanent.  

I was wondering what else I could do in the mean time before I move to Asheville permanently to "practice" my real estate investing skills beforehand. 

This is potentially more permanent than a marriage, and your partnership agreement is your prenup.Now to your current situation, but this ties to your friend's credit.