So it does appear to be possible to get an FHA 203k loan for a 5-unit & convert to a 4-unit.When possible, aim for the Limited (aka Streamline) 203k loan, as it's less complex, not required to get an FHA consultant, etc.Of course, this is based of the two following important assumptions:1)  zoning allows for this2)  and obviously I owner occupy for at least 12 months3)  the total purchase price + renovations are within the FHA loan limits specific to my areaWhat I'm confused about is the timeline or chronological order of the process? 

And my rental cash flow went from only $1500/month to 19k/month profit by taking on more loans and harvesting the equity in some of my properties including my primary.

A particular strategy that may help you is to assume VA loans.  

VRM Properties is misleading on their website, not very many details are provided on their loans other than comparisons to a conventional loan.

Using a Whole Life Insurance (WLI) loan avoids banks but accrues interest, potentially reducing policy benefits—compare this with other financing options like HELOC or seller financing.

This is not even close to the documents required for a properly drafted loan.

Bridge loan.

These typically account for about 80 to 85% of all expenses in a flip.If you know the lenders' terms and the loan duration, lender fees, the second greatest expense, are easy to calculate.

Why not take out a loan from the equity to pay off that debt?

I have spoken to lenders about traditional financing and also DSCR loans.