I've done a bit of research on them and they don't seem so bad to me.

He said it wasn't possible since the loan had to be related to a legitimate business and had to be used for things such as purchasing inventory, equipment, buildings (not rentals), etc. 

Is that my bad? 

This is not an upscale neighborhood, plenty of people have average lawns, and the cost of re-sodding when it is time to sell is not that bad.

These will be my first two properties and it will give me a way in the industry, but I also don't want to make a bad financial decision.

Win Win I get quality work on my terms.

I think I've found what it is: International Paper Masonite Omniwood - the bad part is there was a class action lawsuit against this siding type, I think because of poor quality and not being able to stand up to the 30-year warranty.

You're willing to spend thousands, what's a few hundred more for due diligence and quality assurance.

A "simple" split in my county costs about $5000 (most of which is for surveying and plats) and takes around 4 months to complete - so not bad.

Like many of you, it started with Rich Dad, Poor Dad, then to Youtube, along with a ton of other quality books (Many by the awesome @Brandon Turner).