After my research, this is certainly the method I feel comfortable with in the current stage of the market cycle, but am I also open to suggestions about branching out into occasional flips and other ways to build even more capital.

Are you comfortable with minor upgrade or you are looking to turn-key? 

I would say that it's a good idea to be comfortable and in control of your finance/debts before moving into investment opportunities that are new or unfamiliar.

so if there is a good reason as to why your score is low and you are now digging your way out and things are going well, it will just take some time, then hard money lenders might be able to get comfortable with you and your credit, more so than conventional lenders.'

Any home inspectors & attorneys you would feel comfortable referring in Indy.

Would you also be comfortable performing surgery on them too?

There is not enough time for a lender to get comfortable with paydown of the note typically unless a very small loan and a shorter amortization period.

I ultimately want to own large apartment complexes; however, my personality / risk tolerance made me (and my wife) more comfortable starting with single-family rentals, and then bumping up to small multi-family properties - BEFORE trying to go big.

Work your way up to bigger things as you become more comfortable and earn your wings.

Open floor plan on the main level with living room, dining area, and kitchen with an overhanging countertop for extra seating.