I have a couple of people that this has happened to, and you need to have it in writing and tied to the property to make it work. 

Even if these relationships don't go anywhere, you'll get a lot from just having a couple of calls.Next I would try to find some local investment groups/communities and try to chat with as many investors as you can to get an idea how other's started out in your market.

I'd personally sell the townhouse (doesn't sound like it cashflows or would make a good rental property) - you may have no capital gains if you have lived in it the past 2 out of 5 years - I believe the first 250k for single filers is exempt from taxes and the first 500k for married couples.

A couple issues with Credit/income on paper.

There is a very big difference in my point of view hearing from someone who knows someone first hand vs. someone who just goes and does some internet research. 

They have presented a couple of deals that, unfortunately, haven’t worked out.

Ask their customer service to walk you through the above options if needed.It shouldn't take more than a couple hours of research to try out the top platforms and identify which feels the best for you.

If neighbor says they own it I would tell them I plan to construct a new one next to it on my property line even if I needed to lose a couple of feet of yard. 

I realize that I will need a W2 to make get a mortgage, so I was considering picking up a couple of part time, flexible jobs in order to hopefully acquire a new property as an STR.

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