So in your example, buying a trackhoe might grow your business or create greater profit by eliminating some outside costs, or letting you take on bigger projects, or speeding up existing projects, etc (just an example).

Be careful of investing based on existing relationship.  

Of course, try to get multiple perspectives from different loan officers before committing. 

Tertiary markets can be cash flow heavy but tenant/asset risk exists.

If you're in the real estate investment business and must watch every penny, irrespective of your time, then by all means, do what you think will keep your expenses to a minimum.If, on the other hand, you are really in the business of creating profit by way of being a good marketer and a committed dealmaker, your creative energies ought to be reserved for doing what you do best (or intend to do best)...

I do mean 'Millionaire' not multifamily, but wish that one existed!

This tells me two things: Obtaining a variance will be more difficult because there are already policy considerations in place intended to reduce density & (2) There is clearly an over supply of rental units in this area otherwise the overlay would not exist. 

This eliminates the requirement for a new down payment since you are refinancing the existing debt.Lenders typically require:A copy of the owner-financing agreement.Proof of on-time payments (6–12 months).What to Do:Find lenders that offer rate-and-term refinancing for owner-financed properties (portfolio lenders and DSCR lenders often do this).Maintain a clean payment history.” 

I am debating about the converting the existing old gutted building to either multifamily building (6 units each around 500 sqft small studio) or mix of 4 residential and 2 retail/restaurant conversion (the back side of the property has Big enough lot for outdoor dining or any other use cases.Any recommendations for use case of pure multifamily or mixed of multi family and retail?

Sadly the property no longer exists; it was at 22 Riverbend Drive sitting on the Swannanoa River, and like all nine houses sitting on the river, it was swept away and floated down the river.