I assume I'll shop around for perhaps a better rate as due diligence.  

Originally posted by @John Teachout:Expenses associated with real estate investing can be deducted but never your own labor.But what about cost of shop space/tool rental to make something?

I guess you might put a great deal under contract first and then shop it around.The special knowledge that you would need would be the knowledge that the investors and agents would need. 

Are there a preponderance of check cashing businesses, pawn shops, businesses that do not support checking accounts but rather focus on a cash driven/non saving type of local economy? 

However, I do need to have a way out if once I shop it to my private investors they don't think it's a good buy.

The plumber says he wont check it out till all the water is gone , he has no boots , I ask if he has a pump , he says no he will have to go back to the shop .

From there you can window shop who your likely lender will be.

There is a pretty cool coffee shop in downtown Woodstock called Copper Coin which could be a good meet-up spot?

I am a fashion designer at heart and have had a long time interest in real estate and architecture.

I have been shopping around for insurance on the property, but the quotes I am getting from insurance companies have annual premiums between $2700-$4500.