In your case, since you are using your own money, then you should build out what you want to see.  

They can do it for more money than people online, just make sure that the people online if you go the cheaper route are going to get you and your contractor what you need! 

I can make way more money on other deals than any Note.

Just recognize that you will have lower payments but that money will be illiquid so your personal financials also come into play

Money, deals, crews ? 

Today, it depends on what you plan to do with the money.  

I have a high credit score, good income, and money in the bank, but I have been having a difficult time finding a DSCR lender I feel like I can trust.

Improvements are cost-effective when the cost of making them is equal to or less than the money saved on energy from those improvements.Cost Effective Test for Existing HomesImprovements to existing homes are cost-effective when they pay for themselves over their expected life span with energy dollars saved.

He lost a bunch of money because he overpaid for a duplex but can now only rent it as a single family.

You need to make this (product/area decision) a very diligent decision or go for lower returns (LTR) and lower your expenses to save more money to move the capital to more investments to eventually leave your current active income.