We've done this personally on refis with just a lease,  but through a local credit union so I'm sure it's different. it seems like there is a lot of potential problems this would create for the owner, tenant and PM if the lenders have to have a signed lease and all funds upfront, before the loan is closed.

I come across a person who has a commercial strip of 7 stores free and clear worth around 2 Mil.

I can’t work with interest due to personal preferences so I don’t know what option will work the best for me. 

The seller has pulled back and is not interested in meeting in person at this time.

Personally prefer SFR..Not sure about DFW but do have a realtor reference for you..be sure to budget for furniture and furnishings if not sold turn-key..a seller concession is a great way to preserve capital for MTR or STR's..check in with @Joseph Chiofalo for an investor friendly lender..he's excellent at helping structure loan programs for investments.

It's for a duplex (no personal use) DTI and everything is good.

My personal advice is cut your losses and move on. 

I’ve only sold 2 personal residences and I sold them both myself.

What's really important are these 2 things.1) How much research, work connections and investigating are you personally willing to do in any of these markets? 

Also, I'm not sure what the zoning would allow you to do.As a side note, a touch of personal opinion still, which is shared by many people I know and which doesn't directly affect the discussion.