Moving forward scaling with hard money loans may be the best bet and would avoid the headaches of living in a construction project. 

Quote from @Scott Tennell: For real estate investors who have worked with private money lenders, what strategies have you found most effective in structuring deals to ensure both parties are protected and the funding process runs smoothly? 

If it's more complicated eviction.com may be your best bet to use they are pretty cost effective.

Your best bet is to find and contact all of the top local wholesalers and go to work for one of them and see what they do right and wrong and see if it's even a business you like.

We do want to settle in a little bit here while continuing to do our homework, but hope to get into something in the next 6-12 months.With the way interest rates are looking now and what little I see on public listings, I think a smaller multi-family that needs a little rehab would be the best bet. 

Haha I bet there's been some crazy stuff out there but the one's I'll put up will definitely of better quality and insulated.

I've also heard of requirements to own for at least one year before you can use the home as a STR.Hawaii is a leftist state that doesn't protect private property rights.

Quote from @Antoine Black: I have a house that free and clear and I'm trying to tap in the equity can any one help  Hey Antoine, As Mike stated, your best bet is a local credit union.

They are making a bet that interest rates will come down soon and they can refinance at a lower rate. 

THANKS Your local credit union might be your best bet.