You are experiencing exactly what an investor would expect when buying a mixed Primary residence/investment property.

Invest in notes through someone or a group with experience. d. invest in a crowdfunding project.#2 goes along with number one.  

You may be experiencing a similar phenomenon.

Any thoughts from experienced landlords?

Doesn't make it any less legal, however :PBy that logic, you would almost want to work MORE with a licensed wholesaler since he/she would have to tread lightly.Moreover, once could argue that there are more experienced unlicensed wholesalers than licensed ones, and it's experience that you fear (fear of getting taken advantage of) when you hear "licensed."

Any concerns with the current mortgage holder in doing a deal like this from any of you pleasantly experienced investors? 

Using SF to circumvent institutional loan guidelines and requirements generally will not work with more experienced buyers of loans.  

So my question to experienced vinyl plank users is will the planks take 1/2"or is the 1/4" measure really the upper limit and not just a value that is determined for long term warranties.

Glad to see you want to avoid some of the failures that many have experienced, but I’m sure your construction and RE background will put you in a pretty good position for achieving your investment goals.

You should come by the Denver BP meetup sometime - there are plenty of folks there who are also just getting started, as well as many experienced investors.