They were fine with my score (about 740), but have issue with the percentage of personal credit I am utilizing, so that discussion also petered out.Apparently, I have a lending profile right now, that is not attractive to mainstream lending programs.Any advice?

@Chris Collins  Tenants usually pay all utilities. 

I can only speak regarding structuring the deal as I have not utilized partners personally but it really can be anything that you want.

However, if you intend to work with a hard money lender or utilize a short-term loan product, you're on the clock for repayment, which can be stressful if things go sideways. 

Due to increased rates i did not refi so i did not get opportunity to see how an appraiser valued the half bathroom but the comps with same bathroom count had crazy valuation for the additional half bathroom.Taking under utilized space like a work area to add a br where the added br does not put you above the normal for the area can add value.Similar if a neighborhood is virtually all 3 br and 4 br properties and you find a 2 BR, it could be a value add to add the bedroom via new construction.  

Need more information surrounding why your current lender is suggesting they cannot utilize the rental income on your investment property.

ALTA survey, utility survey, etc.$100k per building, I'd say not usually. 

That's three months of mortgage and utilities, the cost of flooring, and the cost of painting.

Kudos to you for utilizing and actually finding deals on FB.

Alternatively, once you have a full time job (or an employment contract), you should be able to qualify for a loan and utilize a Down Payment Assistance program.