Not sure what type of landlord/tenant laws you have there, but if you can’t just get him out by basically scaring him or cash for keys, eviction is the best route. 

One other route to explore are mini-splits.

If you can, then that's a viable route to go. 

Interest rate can potentially be higher than going the traditional route.

should I go the GC route or should I hire the contractors with specialties (Electrician, Plumber, flooring, etc).

The interest aspect will keep you pushing when it gets hard and choosing your route based on the market will help protect you so that your investing journey doesn't end as quickly as it begins! 

Now you might be able to go to a more conventional lending route but my bet is you’ll still need at least 25% down. 

If this is the route you want to go (keeping it in your personal name) there are definitely banks/credit unions that require you to hold the property for less than one year before financing.

I'm currently trying to learn all I can about Hard Money Lenders to see if that's the route I want to go.

If you are strongly considering going that route, I would make sure that the lender you go with has a lot of experience with it.