With respect to AJ, he is a good friend of mine and I highly recommend him too.

I honestly thought to myself that both NY and Cali were very tenant friendly...

In my area, I see a big need for a " military friendly" resource in the real estate market. 

If that is the case then I would say yeah work with an agent who has a solid reputation either here or from a friend referral.

The same guidelines could have markedly different interpretations and implementations by different lenders.Lender A tells you that your rate is X, Lender B tells you that your rate is a little higher because they see that the program/product that A is quoting wont work because of some minute detail.

Yes, that's the plan and I have bankers lined up to invest through the CDFI but, per the guidelines, I need a track record as a fund first to qualify (the bankers also want to be second round or later).

Investing in AZ, NV, ID, where you have family or friends that is a day away and you can start to build a network and team to help manage a property.  

Time is money and I prefer spending my time with my fam and friends instead of problem tenants and legal cases. 

I am looking into buying a duplex in Hyatt Park and wanted to get some advice on what contractors/suppliers I could contact that have investor friendly pricing for kitchen cabinets, countertops, and bathroom vanities.

. ;-)Some things come to mind-do you host yourself, have a property manager or co-host, is your STVR dog friendly, do you have king beds, where is your market, do you have professional photos etc.