True, HMLs frequently (perhaps even normally) lend to entities, but most have no issues lending to a person instead of an entity. 

Mentors could also be people you have never met, but frequently watch or read their work online.

I frequently see LLCs sell property to each other for $1 here in Philly.

I tend to buy in mid-to-high end areas and the deals are not as frequent.

This is almost certainly the case and if you are a small investor you should go wherever you can find deals you like.But people frequently overweight your personal situation/opinion and assume it also applies to the majority.

I use oil-based primers and paints on a lot of problem surfaces much more frequently than people working in newer construction.

If they frequently go opposite directions, or appear completely un-correlated, then you've got a potential problem - you don't want your payment going up at the same time as rents go down!

The city checks AirBandB and similar pages frequently, fines are very high. 

@Trent Jackson - Yes, our team works with out of state investors frequently. 

(I am also required to owner-occupy as I intend to use a VA loan.)I'm frequently running into the problem of both units being occupied and a scarcity of duplexes with one side vacant.