From what I was told by a Chase lender, most institutions use the same underwriters, who implement this 2 year requirement.I understand that private lending could be an option, however, I'm not sure who would lend to me with favorable terms based on my lack of real estate experience.

The lender is the institution who makes the loan not the guy you talk to. 

Check to see if your old LLC is even still active on the state's roster.I know where I used to have mine (MA), it would be "administratively closed", i.e. dissolved, if you didn't file your annual reports and other paperwork timely. 

Quote from @Richard Ma: Document everything!

Get quotes for repairsIn MA, we have up to 30 days to return deposits.

To your point above though, the institutional and PE interest in this asset class is a little unsettling.

The seller assumes the role of lender while continuing to make payments on the original mortgage.In this arrangement, the originating lending institution can still foreclose on a property if the seller fails to maintain the mortgage.

i could help you possibly It's in the Springfield/Western MA market, I'd love to connect if possible!

AND to buttress that argument...large institutional players and HNW individuals w/ access to capital above what my savings acct will every show don't do unlevered deals.Good posts and thoughts above. 

Fitchburg is not the largest of markets but still remains an ideal location to invest in due to the amount of rent vs the price of properties. Sales seem to be keeping up with Listings with no major changes compared t...