I do think it's good not to keep all of your eggs in one basket. 

I should have clarified that I already attend the BP meetup in Seattle, which is very fruitful and well priced.

I have meetings lined up with several local banks so I'm remaining optimistic - someone has to want to lend on this deal and hopefully I can start a long-term relationship that will be fruitful for both parties.  

If you're concerned about risk, I would suggest to you that there are two kinds involved in your decision: tenant vacancy risk and "all-your-eggs-in-one-basket" risk.

With all the refinancing going on these days they would rather  pick and choose the low-hanging fruit alone out there a lot higher so they can better spend their time  on making money what's larger loan amounts .  

It seems being on BP can be fruitful.

Once your wife sees the fruit, the next ones get easier.

This is more time intensive but you aren't putting all your eggs in 1 basket with only 1 contractor.Option 2 is my GC buddy and I get a better handle of how we can work together.  

Human nature is to pick only low hanging fruit.

All eggs appear in one basket, but if well managed by Owner - this will benefit you when it comes time to sell and roll the money into a 1031 exchange.