Are there any institutions or other loan products that offer 3.5% down (potentially can go up to 10% depending on the total construction costs) AND takes into account the rental income?

Since your a hands on person and have contractor contacts.  

Assuming the liens were the mortgage, taxes, hoa etc and totaled less than the purchase price.

I've been mulling it over and trying to articulate to myself what I'm really looking for and I guess what I've most recently settled on is if a deal works that will give me better total return for the money and the time, then I'll call it a good deal.

TBH these circles do speaking engagements as promotional opportunities, it’s a hand shake and “I’ll speak at yours if you speak at mine”.

.: Emotionally..... pay off your primary.Financially..... use the $$ to buy assets that make you $$...hands down a smarter use of your capital Especially if your interest rate is well below what the current rates have been. 

It’s not about chaining yourself to a rigid model; it’s about giving yourself a reliable starting point, so when the next tempting deal in Phoenix’s midtown corridor pops up, you know it fits into your broader strategy rather than just hoping it’ll magically work out.At the end of the day, nobody’s going to knock on your door and hand you a neatly packaged portfolio.

Explore my personal favorites, Set For Life by Scott Trench or The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey, for invaluable financial insights.3.

Hey EvanI prefer hands off but I know that 2 heads are better than one.

that said totally agree with how you do your deals..