So, YOU or a project manager or a designer or a partner would be more ideal to have control over the scope of work. 

This would allow you to keep the current mortgage and keep entire control of the property.

Yes, it's actually possible to control mice by acting like an adult and dealing with them.

Now some choose to do it with TK companies and give up the control factor that you have with your investments.

You should secure that switch (or that area), so you can control who accesses it. 

I have my eyes set on a plot of land near my home where there is high income and significant traffic in a rapidly growing area in Cedar Park, Texas (north of Austin). 

This allows you to control renovations and decide whether to self-manage on the back end.

Can I dictate the remitter listed on the check (LLC vs controller vs IRA) based on the needs of the transaction - my local bank would at least give me that much latitude - or is that determined by these banks?

There is also the impact on the things like the sewer system and traffic patterns and parking, and overall the desire of the neighbors who are already in the area to have zoning change so close to them. 

Live in one unit and rent out the others to cover your mortgage.Seller Financing: Negotiate terms with the property seller where they act as the lender, often requiring a smaller down payment and bypassing traditional underwriting.Partnerships or Joint Ventures: Partner with an investor who provides the capital in exchange for a share of the property’s equity or income.Lease Options: Use a rent-to-own agreement, which allows you to control the property while saving for a formal purchase.BRRRR Method (Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat): Acquire a distressed property with short-term financing, rehab it to increase value, rent it out, and refinance to recoup your initial investment.Pro TipStay in close communication with your lender as you approach your next purchase.