However, in my experience the good wholesalers understand comps and construction costs, are transparent, have good referrals, and can actually get you in the property. 

From my understanding, it might be more advantageous to refinance as a rental property at a lower LTV with income from two units, rather than as owner-occupied at a higher LTV with only one rental income considered.

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

Not questioning your judgement/assessment, just trying to understand the situation to best advise you. 

Quote from @Jay Hinrichs: Quote from @Engelo Rumora: @David KanarekI don't think I have ever seen better investigative research than this.Hat's off to you and sorry for your troubles and everyone else's.Please don't investigate me haha Engelo as someone that has taken this kind of abuse on BP and SM  and lived to fight another day I think you understand better than most investors mind set and how they feel or attack if their deal does not go right.  

You don't need to know everything to get started; you need a foundation to build on, and the rest will come through experience and then refining your education.You can build a basic understanding of investing in 3-6 months.

It's a great way to talk through your plans and goals for real estate with people that actually understand! 

Start with an investor friendly agent who understands cash flow and appreciation trends.

Life started moving fast as many probably can understand and I completely fell of track.

Identifying value-add opportunities in strong neighborhoods and negotiating deals that make sense is something I’ve done a lot, so I understand what it takes to make these projects successful.If you’d like, we can connect and talk through some strategies or areas to focus on—I’m here to help however I can.