However, I would love to eventually commit to real estate investing full-time at some point in the next 10 years.Ultimately, I'm joining BiggerPockets to learn more about real estate, offer what information I can to others, and connect with like-minded people.I look forward to expanding my knowledge in various topics of real estate while meeting new people along the way.

I finally made the decision 3 months ago to be fully committed to a direct mail campaign.  

You are also committing 20-25% down payment if you are getting a typical mortgage loan.That said, if you are still into turnkey, definitely research a market first then providers.  

With turnkey, your time commitment can be minimized.

However, I would love to eventually commit to real estate investing full-time at some point in the next 10 years.Ultimately, I'm joining BiggerPockets to learn more about real estate, offer what information I can to others, and connect with like-minded people.I look forward to expanding my knowledge in various topics of real estate while meeting new people along the way.

Perhaps they didn't understand the details of a deal they initially committed to, because you only focused on the numbers with them?

Microbilt wants anywhere from a 1-3 year commitment with heavy cancellation fees ($300), and other "professional" offerings are not too different. 

Maybe no one is committing mortgage fraud, but is everyone just breaking the contracts and calling the bluff that these mortgage companies will not call the loan??

Your lender will tell you what actions you can reasonably take with your credit between pre-approval and mortgage commitment.

As with any lending, you have to go through the full process to obtain a commitment letter.HML and Private lenders are more common for investors.