We've reached out to several national lenders, but since our property is zoned agricultural it was a non-starter.

When not 'full income' verification, which can even allow for high 55%+ DTI there are alternative income verification guidelines like bank statement, P&L, DSCR, Foreign National, Asset depletion, bridge and portfolio programs that allow expanded ways for borrowers to qualify. 

For me personally I like mid-sized/regional bank as you are not just a number like with a national bank, but they still have some of the bells and whistles like good online tools that small banks lack.

Columbus is also home of The Ohio State University, one of the largest universities in the nation, which currently building a $1.79 billion inpatient hospital expansion.

and have been having difficulties passing the national portion does anyone know if the national portion ask some questions that are state specific?

I myself chose the suburbs of Youngstown Ohio to get started in, statistically one of the least desirable metros in the nation.

Also i would highly suggest you don't only shop the small banks shop the national ones as well.

Total profits last year—subtracting property taxes, management fees, insurance, and repairs—were approximately $12k (which was then divided into shares for us and relatives).The city is Grants Pass, Oregon, population 40k, with median household income around $50k (50% lower than the national average).

Several potential sources for foreign national lending. 

The prices are not as low as the midwest but the appreciation have been above the national average for the last few years.