But, as a whole/portfolio, I was doing fine / better (because of the refi to lower rates) and it was cheaper since I only had to get 2 loans instead of 3.So, it sounds like you are doing something similar. 

sounds like a DSCR loan is going to be your best bet!

Even if you buy a property right you can lose potential profit by not managing the rehab effectively.

Metal buildings will be easiest and most cost effective but you need to research your market to make sure you build the right configuration for the potential use and prospective tenant.

This sounds 100% like a scam.

Sounds like overall you had a successful first project in that you're going to come out ok and sure learned a lot.

From what I know about Westchester County in NY, it's quite expensive.I think you need to determine whether you care more about strategy or location because it sounds like you're trying to fit a square peg in a round hole.

Don't mean to sound harsh, but amazing job saving $100K and I wish you the best of luck!!

A lot of things you describe sound better than real life.

It's important to understand the difference, and I'd recommend sticking with the REIT with depreciation advantages.The Tax Cut and Jobs Act (TCJA) includes a 199A deduction and applies to certain income from pass-through entities (including REIT dividends) and allows individuals to take the 20% deduction against REIT dividend distributions that yields an effective tax rate of 29.6% or 37% (80% for upper bracket filers).