I'd like to be a key partner on an agency loan, so that I can 'get my fannie mae card'.

If you bought the house any other way, according to those government agencies Fannie and Freddie, six months’ of seasoning are required before a refinance.

You'll be able to learn the prices of material, labor, and some of the basic and standard things about the structure of a home, while also not having to learn the finances of closings, and agency at the same time, and also be worried about a sale date.Learning everything about fixing a house as well as learning the gamesmanship of brokerage--all on the fly-- will be a bit much in my opinion.

My insurance agency seemed a little puzzled about landlord insurance then came up with a Policy from Lloyd's of London that was over $2000! 

The next best is to put collections against her name and social security. if you don't know her social, it is still okay, as collection agency can get that info. 

is this typically part of the landlord tenant act, city, or some other agency?

Are there agencies where I can hang my license and function like this?

If they are able to get agency debt then you know Freddie or Fannie thinks the deal has a very high chance of success (Freddie has not had a single deal anywhere in the US go south in 3 years). 

We closed at a local (to us) title agency.

There may also be a state or govt agency you can reach out to.