with private and HML  the deal is done all at once.. 

But there are some basic bid issues owners are often unreasonable about:1) There really isn't time to get multiple bids- No heat during winter or ac during summer can often result in a municipal ticket or worse2) The job is too small to get bids- Estimated cost is $700 - how is saving 5-10% worth the time getting bids?

We use it for private lending.

The time saved on seeing that bigger picture is worth it to me.

After entry, save receipts and back up in a file for that year. 

I've included an example below to help illustrate this.So different lenders have different rates (which do vary even for DSCR loans) but these are factors they all consider.See example below:DSCR < 1Principal + Interest = $1,700Taxes = $350, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $50Total PITIA = $2200Rent = $2000DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2000/2200 = 0.91Since the DSCR is 0.91, we know the expenses are greater than the income of the property.DSCR >1Principal + Interest = $1,500Taxes = $250, Insurance = $100, Association Dues = $25Total PITIA = $1875 Rent = $2300DSCR = Rent/PITIA = 2300/1875 = 1.23If a purchase, you also generally need reserves / savings to show you have 3-6 month payments of PITIA (principal / interest (mortgage payment), property taxes and insurance and HOA (if applicable).

Our privately owned and centrally controlled monetary system, known as the Federal Reserve, and the legality of Fractional Reserve Banking is on a crash course for a battle between Freedom (Property Owners) and Royalty (the banks). 

The year of the purchase I saved money like a madman and saved roughly 22k.

I currently have a majority of my savings invested in the stock market but am looking to diversify into real estate and other ventures to achieve my financial goals.

Perhaps you could consider hard money in addition to private money?