You might find more than one lender who won't ask for the 6-month interest reserve but he'll probably ask for a bank statement with the 10% down 4%-8% closing costs 6 months of interest just to know you have sufficient liquidity.  

This type of financing requires the projected income of the property, determined by a local expert, to sufficiently cover the monthly mortgage debt.

Since then I've had a few other contractors come out and verify the work is not sufficient let alone up to code.

I would airbnb the bottom half as a two bedroom capable of sleeping 6.

Since you plan to replace the countertops, it is not too difficult to move the cabinetry lowers should you have sufficient space.

Congratulations on sleeping at night as you lead lambs to slaughter. 

., business and personal accounts with sufficient reserves to cover checks returned insufficient.When a contractor or service person I have paid needs the money immediately, and I’ve given them a check instead of ACHing or Zelle the money to them, they go to my bank (B of A) and merely exchange the check for cash.  

Not to mention if you need to go FHA (assuming you plan to occupy a unit) you have to pass the self-sufficiency test. 

Since my tenants are usually homeowners it doesn't make sense for me, but even for the couple travel nurses I've had, the background/credit check was sufficient and seeing how they communicate with me prior to booking.

or, as you said, reach out to them on linkedin be sufficient place to start?