My overall goal is to become a mortgage broker as I like the idea of having all lenders as an option and working for my self.I really appreciate the help! 

@Shwetha Pindikuri,Assuming an FHA loan with a second mortgage can be tricky, but it’s definitely doable with the right lender.

You want to wait after the work is complete before you get an appraisal and do not do it until you are refinancing because most lenders will want it through the AMC and you will be out your money.

However, here are a few options:Private Lenders or Hard Money Loans: These don’t require traditional documentation like a W2 and are often used for fix-and-flip projects.

@Jeff Hines - go with a direct lender and spread that $150K over multiple properties. 

Over my time (over 30 years), if your lender will make a call to the seller/seller's rep to explain the level of due diligence we've done on the buyer usually goes a long way.

I don't know any lenders doing this other than possibly the VA (can anyone confirm/deny this?)

Let me address your questions and provide insight from a lender's perspective:1.

Horrible tenants increase cautiousness and interaction with insurance Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Ideally, finding a lender who offers a balance of both is key.