Keep in mind that in TN you need a specific state license to lend money there.. ... there is a big player in Memphis there name escapes me.. but most of the big national lenders like lendinghome or Lima will be compliant.. with state laws.little guys probably not.. and be on the look out for out and out scammers..

Should be able to get a better rate than a CD. 

How exactly is a neighborhood classified as an A/B/C/D-class neighborhood?  

Attend local MF meetup groups if they exist in your area to meet local players, potential mentors and partners that know your area well.

That agent will not doubt the local market player and will feel more comfortable that you are not a tire kicker. 

I'll admit, not an excellent deal and not in the best neighborhood, but still a start for me to learn the process and start to get to know some of the local players out there.

@Joshua D. did he see "investing power-player" written on my forehead?

@Chris Seveney   See if Chris will chime in I Believe he deals with Partials a lot and could in fact be a player for your partials.

Also becoming the President or top player in a publicly traded company and getting that golden parachute works too.. know a few of those.. 

Keller Williams, the nation's largest brokerage, was founded in Austin, HQ is here, and remains the biggest player in town.