I'd say it takes about 3-5 years to really build up good credit where the company is taken seriously by lenders. 

Make sure you discuss it ahead of time with them that your husband is a "Professional" GC and his company will be the one providing invoices for the work completed.

The owner of the lending company I work for owns 160 rental properties here in Baltimore and we understand the market very well.

I would never trade highly destructive tenants for cash flow. 

I would recommend googling some companies around you that do countertops and visit them.

I work for a Property Management company and have done it for years so I am not a rookie. 

I started working in the trades when I was only eleven so I wasn't ever scared off by old houses.

A lot of the things a mortgage company requires is to protect their financial interests (and subsequently protect you also)....getting title insurance, a survey, an assessment/inspection, and requiring home owner's insurance. 

I wanted to introduce myself and my company, Handy Central, to everyone. 

Somewhat agree, I do think there are a ton of bad PM companies out there.As a prior renter, I’ve seen my fair share of them too.