For a SFR, I doubt you are able to get a commercial loan as SFR are not considered income producing properties by most lenders.  

Good question, I would do nothing difference, when I start to invest over 40 years ago, my objective was to control and buy real estate at an equity profit (while others were paying too much and hope the values would go up)As a result today, many of my properties are paid in full.

It's been a fun time and I'm working on two fix and flip offers as a result!!

I am a diligent startup entrepreneur striving to yield positive results and success in all ramifications through professional disposition and indulgence in all necessary skills needed for making sound business decisions that will impact my investment ventures

The concerns of title underwriters that Account Closed mentioned have also resulted in most title companies not being willing to close other types of transactions with the end-buyers funds. 

Waste of time for an agent to anything more than put you on their Top Producer daily e mails .Which if you don't know what top producer e mails are you should start there .. most agents will do this for you over the phone.. it will give you an e mail each morning of new listings that meet your criterion.  

Plus if your a top producer in our market your busy and your knocking down 300 to 500k a year who needs the headache of a rental that makes you 100 a month or 200 a month you just piss that money away any way.... so I know my view point is a little skewed

I am a zumba instructor on the side and I do quality for over 6 years in a big produce packing house. 

That's an issue with outdoor advertising - you have no filters on who might call you, whereas with search they are using specific keywords and with direct mail we mail to specific people.Signs produce the lowest cost per call, but also the lowest quality calls.But also - if they were confused about your message, reduce the # of words to only what is needed ~ "WE PAY CASH FOR HOUSES - 888-999-7777".

I have used Evernote, Podio, and Asana with varying success and results.