Ultimately, I would like to invest in commercial retail property.  

The investor's investment goals and investment criteria will determine what we recommend and where they ultimately choose to invest.These are better suited for investors who have some investment experience or "thicker skin".Continued success!

The ultimate goal is to start scaling and eventually would expand into another state such as South Carolina for short term rentals. 

Seller finance deals work when one of the following situations is present1- property can’t be financed with institutional financing usually because property is vacant (commercial property) or in bad condition2- seller will only accept an above market price for the property and by offering seller financing opens the universe of potential buyers to include people who wouldn’t qualify for financing3- seller is able to obtain a “piece of the action” from a buyer rehabbing the property and hence ultimately obtain a higher price.4- the seller has an existing low interest rate mortgage and wants to “wrap” the existing mortgage into a seller financed higher rate mortgage and pocket the differential 5- property is an investment property, seller has a low basis in the property because of depreciation, and wants to spread out the taxes due.Are you thinking of trying to purchase with 100% seller financing, or are you able to /willing to offer a down payment of say 10-20% .  

My ultimate goal is to build up a cash reserve for each property in the amount of around $15,000 which would be enough for most expenses I would incur.

Ultimately I don't think there is a way...most small rentals operate in a manner where they pass through to your personal return.

I can tell you the aluminum is far stronger than the gluelam data that I found:  the company presentation is reporting some strength value at 2400 psi while 6061-T6 is ~40,000 yield / ~45,000 ultimate. 

Ultimately, while the guidelines allow it, no residential lender will allow more than 4 units, and no commercial lender will conduct a VA Loan, so it's never been done, and I don't see a way that it will be. 

@Emmanuel Ola, as others noted, there is a lot that doesn't make sense about this whole process.But ultimately, if you have a FULL scope of work with everything included, and he is willing to do it for $45k, then great.  

Every other tenant was scared to death of her so ultimately I evicted.