My credit score and income are more than adequate to be approved for the loan (I can put 25% down).

So ensure that you have adequate cash reserves on hand to tap into if you get hit with a big expense. 

They need skin/blood in game or human nature occurs. 

As a new agent I certainly looked over this myself, but as I’ve started to do so I’ve realized driving around and observing and taking notes about the area is doesn’t really feel “primitive” or “old school” but instead feels natural, enjoyable and in my case allows me to connect with my local market and neighborhood.

It does say exterior walls can be included (not sure why they wouldn't be)As for the exterior finishes it says 50% must be brick or natural stone.  

Background is in dealership management, nationally recognized, so I'm great at closing/negotiating, numbers, and navigating a deal, and I'm naturally more transactional inclined. 

Should legal support as part of a property management company, lease, etc.. adequately protect me?

And really, that's what I've done, going from being a teacher to being a handyman with C/D class properties, my natural niche.What I would do if I were you would be to find the cheapest possible place to live (including small multifamily househacking, house roommate, and Airbnb possibilities) near enough to my job to bike there and back or take public transportation.

With the cyclical nature of real estate, I personally like homes that fall into the first time home buyer price point.

(a)Borrower shall keep and maintain at all times at the Mortgaged Property or the management agent's offices, and upon Lender's request shall make available at the Mortgaged Property, complete and accurate books of account and records (including copies of supporting bills and invoices) adequate to reflect correctly the operation of the Mortgaged Property, and copies of all written contracts, Leases, and other instruments which affect the Mortgaged Property.