When I was trying to get into commercial multifamily real estate, I found local players place all kinds of barriers and try to convince me I cannot do it without them.

When you are a smaller player with not much equity I wouldn't worry about it too much especially if properties are residential.

I would not recommend the FHA loan unless it is your last resort to buy an owner-occupant property. 

I could probably research mortgages by bank name and go with the local banks where I know the players involved and can identify a couple properties that would be a candidate just to walk myself through the exercise.

Walter Wooford  and Bob La Croix are bigger players there.

Additionally there are lots of players in multifily right now in my area so the best deals go quick.

Your best bet for SFH rentals at the $1million price point is STR in resort areas like the Outer Banks of NC or other coastal communities where houses at that price point are true 8-10 CAP and with mortars for 30 year loan or interest only you can easily generate mid range double digit returns without worrying with vacancies, collections or evictions. 

Are you looking for a resort and a vacation rental?

I have looked at some of these types of things but the are actual land inside a camping resort type thing.

I think having a good lawyer on your side is definitely essential in doing real estate, but it is time consuming, messy, and can be expensive, so should be used as more of a last resort in these type of situations.