Something like co-hosting STRs, real estate photography or video (including drone), something in the trades if you have those skills, part time agent, etc.

The mom and pop landlord that I rented from (by my calculation and internet research) owned about 50 doors and had for a long time.

I get 10% on my money private lending, so making less than 10% while also having the risk and work of owning a rental... doesn't make sense to me. 

As you mentioned always do your own due diligence.

My research has turned up a rural area with a decent rental market where 68% own and 32% rent.  

The servicer may have their own fees, rules, and disclosures.Agent crosses a line to disclose rates, legal ins and outs, terms, and disclose the loan which even a broker license doesn't cover.

The property has been owned outright for over 70 years, has had the same tenant over 50 years (a utility company), and we are looking at taking out around 40% LTV, and the mortgage payments would be covered 2-3x by the rental income, so very stable, safe lending situation. 

I have seen a few try to get started over there last several years, but none seem to have survived (or are really bad at SEO and marketing) since I was not able to find any the several times I have searched.That being said, I know Cadre has launched a secondaries market for their own investment offerings, but that is limited in scope to Cadre positions, and is currently closed anyways and will be "re-opening soon". 

last time i was in evansville i did go to 3 local banks and was told the same by each one. 1)I'm a out of state investor2)Property's are in LLC .3)don't live in Indiana. bought Two single family and sold one and presently own a duplex w/ tenants.

My journey was with Own It Detroit and my main point of contact was the owner, Mousa.