Then after much research and paranoia I also bought 2 gallons of Kilz Original and put that down over whole floor, the trouble areas hit hard again. 

Update: I should have hit the refresh button before I posted this post.

Taking a significant amount out of my IRA for the down payment     - I know that i am able to withdraw up to 10k without being hit with the withdrawal penalty, but would like to see if anyone has been down this route.     2.

I have been trying to do some research on how to acquire lists and it sounds like absentee owners lists from a website are the most efficient way to get rocking and rolling.

@Vinay HIt is a totally separate agreement.

I'm just now starting to save money and put it away for my down-payments.Now that you understand this, I really want to hit the round running with my REI career consisting of multi-family rental properties. 

This is motivation to hit the ground running and to just get back up until I’m able to keep a steady pace myself!

We are in the process of purchasing another 4-unit multi family, but we are hitting issues with the lender. 

You don't need to hit a home run your first deal, hit a double and then scale into more complicated deals.

Start over with a new lender (if you're working with a mortgage broker, have her start over with a new lender), two months means enough time for two clean bank statements without any crazy money movement to hit prior to closing.