These type of lenders have their products designed for RE-investors, so you see things like higher leverage and shorter seasoning and your personal income is not factored into the underwriting, which typically is a HUGE deal for RE-investors. 

I'm in the process of having an architect do some elevations to talk over with the city and the bank, but I'm not wanting to pay for the full design until it's been confirmed to me that we are on the right track.

@Laura Sulak I was briefly looking at Temple and the prices are attractive.

It allows you to buy properties for less, because of their condition, improve their value, attract better tenants and create equity in the process.

Up to 70% LTV on multi-unit investments is common and will have the most attractive rates, but there are options above that at slightly higher rates....and assuming the money is going to good use, then perhaps worth considering.  

Design, Location, and Marketing are huge factors4.

@Jeremy DockendorfI fail to see how this seller financing is attractive (to you) for a primary residence.I also don't know why you think a seller would agree to tie up the property in a contingency situation when he/she could leave it on the open market and get cash.

It’s a heavier lift for me to come up with the 25% down, which is why option A is so attractive.  

For an investor to be an attractive option to a lender you need to present yourself as a low risk investment to them.

When you find that mentor make sure you're not attracted to them because they think like you.