I began to dig into REI more and more but became increasingly discouraged because I did not have any options to finance any deals.

I only offer my services to people I feel are going to use the info and solve problems with it, and only because its great to see others doing the right thing the right way and creating income for trades, realtors, and increasing the value in communities.

Sounds about right with the recent interest rate increase. 

I'm not familiar with the FHA rules but when I bought my house with a VA loan I got a check at closing because I increased the purchase price by the same amount that I asked for in seller closing credits.

My only real concern is having a good rental pool based on the low population.

When I sold it, paying off that loan, dropping my total debt, lowering my debt to income ratio, moving from 2 mortgages to 1, only increased my credit score by 1 point.I will NEVER under how credit scores work, but I know they affect chances of getting a mortgage and interest rates you can get.

Population and job growth are two of the major factors. 

So if the 2nd lien holder redeems, it's good for you because you have preserved your current equity position (not increased the debt via advance), removed the lien from the property, and the taxes have been paid.  

This property has increased in value substantially with the small rehab and great appreciation.

Well, about two months in one of his field agents that did assessments for him asked for an increase in commission and was denied.