I know investors who purely work with one broker or lender, because of the strong relationship they have built with that individual person, I also know a lot of investors who jump from bank to bank just to get the best terms, and then never come back.

I don't know what you do for work, but I have seen individuals use a large nest egg from real estate to start a business and change their life trajectory.

Analyze the state, demand for rentals, and cash flow possibilities of each property.Secure Financing: To finance your house hacking buy, apply for an FHA loan.

I'm brand new to the world of REI (and to this forum), and just wanted to connect with other like-minded individuals, and hopefully get your advice. 

There aren't many people who know the two states or your personal finances well enough to even begin to answer this question.

It seems to me it would be difficult to even finance a large down payment if a lot of your money is tied up in assets.

In addition to numerous tradition RE related investments (most individually owned but some as LP), here are our unusual investments (both are RE related, but not what is common on this site)- I have mentioned this one a few times on BP, when fracking was just starting to be known to the general public (near turn of century), we purchased mineral rights in North Dakota.  

You may consider looking for seller's that will consider seller financing that may not require as large a downpayment. 

I feel like this is the perfect time for a win/win creative finance deal.

Zillow How did you finance this deal?