Not only are you new to lending, but - even if it was a secured loan - I"m guessing based on the amount it'd be in second position.  

I am based in Minnesota and also have connections in Louisiana. 

There's many of these floating around but here's my final list based on the STR we launched in January:https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-zjlwrDlC2...

Seller claims they never were served and Seller broker is not releasing based on Seller's word including saying they are seeking legal counsel (they have been seeking legal counsel since December). eXp MN state broker team has been unresponsive and very unhelpful throughout the process.

Although based on my research too, being a loan officer is very time consuming too.

However, for any SFR and duplex, a residential lender will value the property based off the sales comp approach, just an FYI!

I've recently had the roof replaced and fully updated the common areas.Here's a breakdown of the situation: The units are currently marketed as furnished rentals (cashflow well), and based on the current income of the 4 units I own, I anticipate that all 6 units combined will gross $182,400 annually.

They might offer alternatives like real estate investment trusts (REITs) or crowdfunding, providing a kind of indirect link to real estate.

While I am not based in KC I am familiar with the area investment-wise. 

I would base my decision on that.