I am very confused at why this would be a "small issue" unless I am just completely out to lunch, which I hope I am.The MHU boot camp would be a very good crash course for you I believe--you may be in over your head and not even realize it.

Need to understand your credit, experience and liquidity.

do you need FHA due to DTI or credit score?

My partner and I both have good credit and good jobs at major financial services firms but limited capital. 

With the I-40/75 split we have here there is a lot of manufacturing and shipping in and out of the area, with Oak Ridge we have a lot of technology in the area, and of course being the base for UT we have a lot of students and family moving to the area.

Not always the case of course, but in general

and2) rent credits towards your down payment because they want to make sure you’re not engaging too much with the seller in a seller financed agreement as part of the SAFE act?

Can a business obtain credit cards without a social security number backing up a tax id number?  

Many times my contactors call for big orders from Home Depot or Lowes so I can pay with credit card over the phone.Is there a way to get an account with HD or Lowes so they can put supplies on it?

Here are some good places to start: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meet- find and connect with other BP members that are in your area.http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts - Set up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you.And, of course thehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums - ask any question about real estate!