How can I streamline the Lending and still know I'm making a secure investment?

If you are starting with a napkin sketch (custom house)  then yes. 

The other is great... wonderful, timely communication and great customer service.  

Using this service you can see the prices listed by landlords as well as customs offer.

If it is a trade you seek as opposed to a g/c or handy man, reach out to local custom homebuilders, the guys doing a few houses a year,  in general they like to promote the people who do good jobs for them.

As you have allready learned is how to talk to customers and you probably been have known by many people.

These aren't necessarily agents associated with that property, but you can see on that page how many recent transactions they've had and a customer rating, and click through to their agent biography. 

For example, I can work from anywhere and have customers in Texas, so in theory I could (and would) spend half my time there if it meant the ability to start things in real estate.

As a dealer and a contractor I've often charged a customer to remove them in order to install a new one.

There is a Streamline K $35k and under / no structural changes and a full 203k - anything above $35k that is more encompassing.