Most states require 27+ days of continuous stay before they are considered a tenant and not a guest.

If you don’t know the legal notice requirements for your market make sure you figure all that out before you do anything. 

The stabilized properties operate fine without me but the development side of the business requires me 24/7.

Banks and credit unions might have lower-cost options, but they'll likely require more equity.

There is 1 catch and 1 only that can lesson this requirement.

If you eventually convert the property to your primary residence and later sell it, the taxes would be prorated based on the ratio of time the property was investment property.These items should be addressed and discussed with your tax and legal counsel to ensure that the exchange is the best course of action given the restrictions and requirements. 

I am based in Virginia and licensing requirements here seem manageable.

Would you be better off selling and purchasing a less expensive property that would require less carry should it become vacant for some period of time?

Quote from @Jaren Taylor: Quote from @Stuart Udis: Depending on the transaction sizes you are pursuing, raising money to purchase property without debt requires either an incredible network of relationships or devoting a lot of time and effort to raising money.

If they are pre forecloure/foreclosure, probate, or lists that require fast access to the lead to gain an advantage how new is the list and are the leads already on the prominant platforms like Propstream and Propwire?