You have to find a regional bank that services their own loans.

I'm focusing on SFH's as long term rentals in the west-north west regions of Joliet, also Cresthill and Lockport.

I have some great real estate attorneys in the Capital Region that you would benefit from having on your team.

I live in New England region with my wife and 2 children.

I have been working with this bank along the way and got everything approved by both the loan officer and regional manager as we went.

We have local insight on some particular regions of northern MI that many out-of-state investors may or may not know.We are looking for experienced agents, investors and/or contractors in the area.

Our Lender( willie Sullens, Regions bank) we ended up with in the end was hardworking/competent/caring all the things you want.

At that time we’ll be trying to move somewhere in the NWAR region.

NOT all but it did just hit us in FLA . on top of this the bank we are using which is a regional SE bank of good size.. they capped their SFR loans at 400k total. 

I concur with @JD Martin that you really should visit the many small towns in the region to get a feel for what you're comfortable with, where you'd like to live, etc.