As mentioned previously, a hard money lender will not likely lend to you if you are buying a primary home. 

this should be quite easy for you.I deal In philly you would be my go to type of guy.. when I get a letter or call from a philly non licensed wholesaler I don't give it the time of day.. but that's.. me I tried over the years.. but the industry is plagued by beginners who are trying to do as @James Masotti described the very hardest thing to do in real estate.. and like anything sales related.. there are a certain amount that will make it work.. but those folks would make any business work.. the rest they just do what others mention they get whopped up on Hey I am going to wholesale so I can buy and hold.. blow what marketing money they have then just fade away.. seen it for decades.. especially in the foreclosure realm. 

A  few things you mention stand out.In no particular order:You probably know this but FHA loans only require 3.5% down, although you do get a very small .05% break in monthly mortgage insurance for putting down 5%. 

Not to mention those times when I may be sick with the flu.Make your place consistent with what is expected for the neighborhood.

Some are as low as $100 per and some higher depending on the age, zip code, and build type (frame vs brick, basement vs slab, etc)If you are insured for less than the full replacement cost estimate amount - will the insurance company apply a co-insurance penalty to any losses?

It’s my bread and butter and I’m retired at age 37.

If you are unable to find an issue there, then check the Rules & RegulationsIf the paragraph disallowing this type of rental is in the first three documents I mentioned above, then this is the type of thing that you can petition your neighbors to overturn. 

You mentioned you have only owned the property for three years so I assume you haven't paid down much of the principal but because you did put work into it, it could be worth getting an appraisal of the new value.

You mention a plan and wanting to layout 1, 3, 5, and 10 year goals.

Show them all of the details that confirm your property value number.For example, if your comps are more comparable in size, age, proximity or condition, make sure to point it out.