I know people handle the hiring and pay structure of their contractors differently.

The people I see with tens of millions or more with money find the best people they can and structure systems to realize more free time.

We've been educating ourselves on creative financing and Subto and would like to know if there are recommended professionals in the DFW/ Texas area who are experts on structuring a creative deal who can essentially advise us and take care of the process for us. 

I completely agree with your last sentence.

That is bad practice.I would consider someone with a felony record if they have a clean history for at least two years after serving their sentence.

If I were to take money from family and friends, how is it best to structure it?

It looks like they are there to reinforce the decking, but there are no joist hangers or cement footings (down to frost depth).For me...I would have a structural engineer come out and evaluate the footings of the buildings to ensure it's sound.Good luck in your search!

Smaller ones are filling up within 12 hours and the large unit they left with 2x 5 gallon water jugs to empty into AND a catchment below....because obviously the sellers knew that it fills over 5+ gallons in just TWO DAYS.We have had to get a structural engineer in who has noted other water damage throughout the basement (unfinished) that was hidden behind sellers boxes and personal items during our inspection. 

But there are a lot of variables they will consider in figuring out your loan will be structured.1) Is your land owned free and clear and if so how much of it will they allow you to be credited towards the project down payment.2) Have you done any loans with them before?

An LLC could simplify bookkeeping and structure your growing investments, but its main advantage would be in organization and liability rather than immediate tax savings.