We are buy and hold investors, so my husband and I are particular about craftsmanship and reno choices.

The better option is to buy smart.

The Metro Atlanta Chamber identified fintech (financial technology), mobility and IoT (Internet of Things), health information technology, cybersecurity, B2B software, smart grid technology and film/digital media/entertainment tech as key growth segments. 

Is it smart to still invest when I have that much in loans?

I agree there are very few REALLY bad areas in Iowa, but some property managers do shy away from a few areas which it sounds like your property manager of choice is saying.  

I figured most people would choose #4 and it would have been my choice as well.

Without those you can't make a smart offer.Also, if you get a proof of funds letter from them, it will be easier to get an offer accepted.The last thing you want to do is find a "deal" without knowing if you can get funding or if you paid too much for it to begin with.

As someone with ADHD, self-employment is more necessity than choice.

Yeah, this falls into "lifestyle choice" - they can do whatever they want.

@Hugh Wagner,Whether or not to lend from an LLC is more a matter of choice than liability (I'm not an attorney).