But to sum up your truly relevant point, all you are really saying is that there is high default risk when you deal with people who have poor credit history or some other financial issues.

I know conventional lending could become an issue depending on the condition of the property.

The snow companies that are good can be really pricey and we have had issues with some of the smaller guys in past.

The issue is the down payment is over $250k and no one has that or is willing to fork over that amount.

Unless you negotiate a new contract or addendum with your PMC, they do NOT have to abide by any requests/demands you make that contradict what's written in the management contract.If they have in fact NOT followed the terms of their contract, then you'll want to send them something in writing pointing out the specific language in their contract that they violated and ask what they plan to do about it.If they fail to correct or address the issues, then you'll want to start looking for a new PMC.

Numerous times I have been able to think through an issues that arose on a construction site and saved the Owner by proposing an alternate route to resolve it. 

Leverage will not change the effort or risk in the areas OP identified.  

I'm looking at small multifamiles and won't have an issue with capital thankfully.I am in Arkansas and looking to stay local-ish initially.

One thing to consider on the credit card option is that a lot of contractors don’t accept them so that could be an issue.

I doubt if you'll have any issue with your hold period since it is all about your intent anyway.