I know there are a lot of options, especially since they are family and willing to carry the loan. 

I will self manage and dont need a lot of cashflow.

Responding quickly, like you do, definitely makes guests feel valued and reassured.I think the choice between automation and personal interaction depends a lot on the host's availability and scale.

With that low interest rate, you will have paid down a lot of equity in the deal and should be able to finance with a bank.

It’s a lot less formal than the residential side.

There are a lot of influencers, courses, and coaches out there who only want to make money by selling subpar information that doesn't help people. 

So they would first payoff the first mortgage, if there is a second then $ goes to the second and if anything above that goes to any other lienholders or the homeowner.There are a lot of people who invest in 2nd mortgages because they are cheaper than a first, but in Ohio (not sure all counties) you have to pay off the first at foreclosure so if you do not have the money to pay off the first you are out of luck. 

I got my license as an agent and have done a lot to learn as much as possible about the market I'm in and the real estate world in general.I am working with one investor currently, building a plan to start spec building in the new year, with a few other ideas as well.I'm excited to meet like minded people on this forum!

Could be a lot of reasons-they want to see what you are doing, want to make sure you don't touch anything of theirs, etc. 

Just a few hours of preparation could have saved you many hours of effort, a lot of worry, and thousands in lost income.