But on the other hand, once the money was paid back I wasn't paying interest on it and I could redraw (unlike a traditional mortgage).

Since you have experience with renovations, perhaps offering handyman services or consulting for other property owners could provide some extra cash flow without tying you to a traditional 9-to-5 job.Dealing with discouragement is tough, especially when it feels like the world is against you.

Those real estate agents ONLY work with traditional lenders is why they say that.

You have joined a platform rich in information and resources tailored to support your real estate endeavors.

Where I mention the 3-5% delta on a second is that is what it will cost you from a traditional bank (for example a HELOC or 2nd mortgage).

They're sort of leading the charge in this new direction, and I think we might see the traditional dealership model and its commission structure start to fade away.Of course, this change won't happen without a response.

Despite the project’s unique nature and impressive traction, securing traditional financing has proven challenging.

Any Pro's or con's compared to the traditional way of building? 

THEY ACTUALLY TEACH THEIR NEW AGENTS THE POWER AND ADVANTAGES OF WORKING WITH INVESTORS OF EVERY KIND, WHETHER IT'S PASSING PAPERS (ASSIGNMENTS/DOUBLE CLOSES/OR TRADITIONAL BUY, FIX AND SELL/HOLD- OWNER FINANCING AS WELL)...

And if a long-term lease like we have in commercial real estate, you can schedule increases in the rent rate on a yearly or biennial basis, either at a fixed negotiated rate like 2% or linked to the CPI or consumer price index, which in 2022 was up 9% and this past year was up only about 4% but traditionally is up only one or two percent a year.