You may have a unique property.Many DSCR lenders use idcide.com for their rural designations. 

Full disclosure, I recently started coaching rehab for them since I have 20 years experience in remodel and design.

How big of a gift can he receive from me for a down-payment?

The rent is guaranteed by other tenants, the regional chapter or the state will pay the rent.Those podcasts are designed to attract eyeballs.

Some H&R folks have earned the designation Enrolled Agent or EA.

Before you move ahead is there a particular reason why having this commercial space is important to the project or are you building this design because that's what the zoning requires?

For under $300k, both shipping containers and modular homes can be great options—modular might offer a bit more flexibility with design. 

However, I noticed that most homes in the neighborhood have vertical fences.Do you think it’s advisable to go with a horizontal design, or would it be better to stick with a vertical style to maintain consistency with the neighborhood aesthetic?

Design- in my market I don’t see crappy units, they are all nice.

Conventional financing is geared and regulated for the owner occupied homeowner and is designed to protect that borrower from poor lending practices.