Would like to be close by walking paths/nature if possible.

You get to prorate some the expenses that would be personal in nature and all the expenses directly related to the rented portion are 100% deductible.

Fannie and Freddie agency loans ($1 million+) and certain bridge loan products will not require a personal guarantee.

I've done LTRs and now have 2 STRs and this is waaaay more profitable and although the hands-on nature of it can be time consuming, I'd say that over the course of a year you actually spend less time/money because you have your eyes and hands on the property a couple times a week.

The product was good, my experience working with them was awful.

My natural progression for investment vehicles (excluding real estate) is: Match/Roth/Tax deferred/ Taxable.

Messy job.These TrafficMaster products offer a 25 year warranty. 

Landlord has entered into a contract to sell the premises to a natural person, AND 2.

Based on the information you've given thus far this seems like a job for a product other than a hard money loan.

I’m thinking about adding a townhouse in Raleigh, NC.I already have a Corp for my video production agency, which is my full-time job.Thanks for any guidance or recommendations!