People tend to think a cost seg is a cure all and just puts money in your pocket.

A jobless rate of 3% or below is widely considered "full employment" by economists, or the point at which most people who want a job have one

Because people skip this and jump right to techniques, we have a huge FAILURE rate of people wanting to be real estate “operators”.  

I would love to make some connections and get to know more people who could help me along the way!

Definitely a focus area from lenders, conventional or otherwise - theres been a reported uptick in occupancy fraud or funny business lately as rates and values have continued to be so high and qualifying so tough - people are more likely to bend the rules on stuff like this - so this is generally the lender response

My advice is to stop listening to the people you overheard. 

Maybe that challenge would make the investing journey seem more "fun" but you are in a position that sooooo many people dream of. 

It's in the country so people looking in that area generally want peace and quiet.

People are always wanting to share success stories or failures to help teach someone. 

We were able to get seller credit to help off-set the cost, but now we have heard of some people getting a free roof with the installation of solar.