He has built an incredible section 8 wealth machine that several attempt to emulate.  

Given the feedback I've been getting on this thread, though, I won't even attempt to explain that.

Even paying it late they're obviously making an attempt, which is 99% more than most tenants would do.

I know, there are plenty of red flags there, but I do believe it is worth the risk when I consider how happy it makes my wife, how life-changing it will be for the family, how minor the financial impact will be on me, and how it gives me the opportunity to practice the steps of real estate investing with forgiving tenants.Finally, I am going to attempt to self manage as nothing comes close to cash-flowing if you include PM costs.

attempting to respond earnestly to your post - Satanic ritual abuse is a real and serious issue that often goes completely under the radar for many reasons.

With management or attempting OOS self-managing? 

When I attempted to contract with them myself,  their bid was very much higher than the other 2 I gathered.

That is true, a lot of people if they don't at least attempt to be good at their job or at least be consistent they will also fail in other fascets in life sometimes.

I am attempting to purchase a triplex and a duplex on a single 2.5 acre parcel.

Re-read your contracts, document your correspondence (and attempts) with your builder and demand documentation to match up any payments/draws with what's actually been competed on your build.