I just financed a 3 unit investment property for a local investor that has a few properties here.

As also mentioned, there is the local jurisdiction who is overseeing the permits and inspecting the work as well.

You might also consider private money loans, local lenders and so forth.

Hoping to find a local community to get involved with, maybe through Bigger Pockets. 

I'm calling my local office tomorrow to find out.

They were told by a friend to get a "local" realtor who then proceed to tell my wife/realtor how she showed her clients our property (lie) and cluster up the process as the office admin did all the real work. 

I've worked in healthcare for the past decade and looking to invest in local, small multifamily properties.  

There is no other local affordable housing in the area.

I'd highly suggest getting to some local meetup groups in MKE:  https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...When you say you are considering alternative financing options, what does that mean?

Check with local realtors for handyman recommendations.