But we could not personally afford the mortgage on this place without a renter.

If anyone is on a tight deadline, I would definite suggest going down in person.

While I am fine renting while I search for the right investment, my dream would be to build (for my own personal home).

This is since 1) there's no penalty for age so it doesn't matter when you use it 2) the longer the retirement asset exists the more chance it has to grow tax deferred or tax free 3)if you are retirement age then using your personal assets first will likely place you in the lowest possible tax bracket when you start drawing those funds. 

I don't know anyone there personally doing it like we do, but it's something to consider.The other option, of course, is to just try and bump up your expected monthly cost from 10% to something like 12% - 15%.

You can not 1031 exchange a personal residence.

If your income is strong and taxes are accurately reported, you have a shot. 90% of investors write off more than they make so this upside down calculation is what causes the average person to qualify for HELOCs.

Usually the person in charge of marketing will do this for you and will add you to a mailing list.

Your friends might not want or need this, but if you go to an institutional lender, this is what they'll ask for...GUARANTOR APPLICATION: Each owner of the Borrowing Entity will need to complete some sort of application on themselves personally.

Someone familiar with your city will respond, where as the Starting Out forum has a slim chance of catching the eye of the right person.