Making the connection in person is completely different from an online interaction.

I also would recommend Fidelity.

On paper I'm ready - I have the money, I've done the research, I have well-defined property/neighborhood criteriaI, I have an agent, contractor, property manager, lender, etc.I'm targeting off market deals with light value add potential in an area with high appreciation potential.

My recommendation is research them all, go to local meetups, and find what you're most passionate about and what you're best at.

They're crazy high numbers. 

They are the ones lending the money, so it's best to go straight to the source.I always recommend you have a written lease and pay rent, just like the other tenants.

So, I'm left questioning what benefits there are to the 2/1 buydown that would make it a recommended option.I'm thinking that if I skip the 2/1 buydown, the cash to close would be lower, meaning I'd need to put in less of my own money upfront, which seems like a better option to me.

I am going to have my tenant pay rent online directly into my new checking account.

Once you can answer these questions I highly recommend reaching out to an accountant willing to consult you to address these items and dive deeper into your tax situation. 

I highly recommend it to those of you who haven't tried it yet.