Friction during the investment process is a bad thing and I am not sure that most accredited investors will ever be very fond of turning over their financial information or having third parties speak to their advisors about their financial situation.  

@Michael MedeirosThe recommendation that you speak with your CPA is a good one.Sometimes it makes sense to go through a bunch of hoops to qualify your by nature passive investment earnings into earned income so as to sponsor a Solo 401k.  

Generally speaking about rural areas, there is demand for housing and properties do hold value.  

Generally speaking, it limits your personal liability, is easy to manage, and has pass through treatment for taxes.

Neither of us have any experience to speak of in investing in real estate.  

I've read the BP approach on this subject and I assumed speaking to a property manager would be the next step.  

While speaking to the loan officer, I asked specifically if they did portfolio loans.

I'm not here to interpret or give legal advice, and I have to be careful since I'm a licensed attorney  I can't speak in specifics, which can be construed as giving legal advice.  

We haven't had a chance to speak to any hard money lenders, do you have anyone specific in mind in the area?

She did give me permission to speak with her attorney.