Firstbank is fantastic but you have to get the right person at the right branch to get the right answers.Some others to consider - Westerra Credit Union and Bank of the West. 

It's not giving up on your goal, its adjusting your plan to realistically reach that goal.Maybe instead of looking for a fantastic investment where you can force equity by rehab, look for a decent duplex that doesn't need rehab where you can have a nice place to live and also have reduced living expenses facilitated by the rental income of the other tenant. 

Heard its a fantastic one.

Chris and his team are all fantastic and highly knowledgeable, so you're off to a good start. 

If the area is not a true "retail corridor" your pool of potential tenants will be limited to mom & pop shops, which can no doubt be fantastic tenants, but are less desirable due to the associated risk.If your budget only allows you to buy a property in an undesirable area it may be better to save up until you can afford a nicer area or look at alternative investments.

There is no point where it is no longer legal to speak with a borrower (Notwithstanding the millions of fictional, hypothetical, fantastical "What if" situations one could come up with, where that may not be a valid statement on my part).

Direct mail is a fantastic method for finding off-market deals.

EDIT: I grew up in the Rust Belt...appreciation is simply a fantastic bonus I don't really count on! 

The Subgroups are outstanding and informative, and the main meetings are fantastic networking opportunities even if you don't know a single person. 

Just about any location near a subway station is "gold" in Boston so you should get a fantastic return on year investment via rental income and market appreciation.