Make sure that you receive an offer letter in writing with exact terms, rates, and conditions. 

I got into rehabbing well before the crisis, and in the one country where market conditions most exacerbated the highs and lows of the real estate market.

So, if you are going to use it to buy a house that requires cash due to its condition, you need to be able to refinance it into a regular loan once the work is complete.

I have 2 rentals that I manage myself, so For someone like you who wants to self manage, I would really look for properties that are in good/ newer condition.

Since you mention one of the conditions to getting started for your wife was paying the house off free and clear I'm curious if you've discussed with her the potentiality of getting a HELOC for certain real estate uses (or maybe even getting a HELOC but coming to an agreement with her that you'd only use it in circumstances she approves of). 

Apply for a loan with a few lenders and see how quick you either get a "detailed" offer letter with all the exact terms, rates, and conditions within 24 to 48 hours or less.Verbal offers are just that - talk - and talk is cheap as they say.These three "test suggestions" will weed out the lenders who are fast, reliable, and offer excellent customer service from those who do not.I hope this helps you find the commercial lender you are looking for. 

There are people with absolutely no life whatsoever so they tend to "troll" the site posting crap, ahem, numerous worthless and harassing posts.

Except it turned out to be a life-sized, cardboard cut-out of Luke Skywalker or something.I used to have a cut-out of Nacho Libre in my family room and it would surprise us sometimes.

Coming out of a rut such as a workers comp case has been tough but will do whatever is necessary to accomplish owning properties and living life on my own terms :) Again, thank you for any advice and knowledge. 

Either the condition of the property, the market rent, or the marketing & leasing operations are failing completely here.