I discovered BP a month ago via The Book on Rental Property Investing and the BP Podcast. 

Definitely be searching out a number of financial institutions and go with the one that can serve your immediate needs, keeping in mind they may not be the right option for your long term needs.

I’m stationed in NC and I’ve recently discovered the rent to own strategy or lease option agreement.

It would be time consuming, but getting the right fit is (as you've discovered) very valuable. 

Once you have inspected the property, and discovered no major issues, then you are in a position to make an offer. 

Most institutional investors underwrite $250-300 for CapEx reserve from what I have seen.

I don't think there was intent on your agent's part of not discovering the true age of the building, although a good agent would know the rough ages of the buildings in that area of town. 1959 to 1979 is not just a few years apart and more than likely, unless completely demo'd and remodeled would not be in the same neighborhood, i.e your agent should have known 1979 did not add up.

I recently discovered BiggerPockets while listening to the Audiobook on Rental Property Investing.

Grew up with little to know financial education and discovered the education I needed only later in life.

I have serious doubts if its been converted into a multifamily...I recently saw 150-yr. old tavern that was attached to the largest grist mill in the country get denied registration...Anyway, location is key...if you are in city limits, or have neighborhood (or deed) restrictions you may be facing a challenge...I know a guy that renovated 20-properties and discovered that the siding had to be replicated to the original...he had to pay a machine shop to create a cutter head so he could mill the siding to the original spec for any repairs.