They figured out how to cut down on transportation costs between the manufacturer and the end buyer.

The LVL manufacturer also sizes the correct one needed, using an engineers loads.

This is not a scale-up-quick method, for sure. 

I'm having trouble finding others in my area that have scaled or have enough time to work with me, any advice on where to look or how to properly go about that venture would be greatly appreciated.

I have a lot more experience in scaling a business than real estate, and would love to be a part of giving and receiving encouragement! 

It's a win-win all the way across, and again even if things cost a little bit more it's the right thing to do.I also don't think most potential renters really shop or have the electric bill at top of mind as they apartment hunt, and thus you really find out what the bill is on the back end after you move in, sometimes to pretty a hefty bill.Of course I have bias given that I own an energy efficient lighting manufacturing company, and have otherwise been in solar and lighting for ten years, but the business and ROI numbers speak for themselves and that's why I got into it in the first place.

I started small in scale just to get some experience, and expect that I will end up getting my certificates redeemed within a year @10% simple interest.  

I have a fairly established rehabbing/wholesaling business (done about 115 deals since 2010), and am considering bringing on my best friend from college into the business with me to help me scale and start a Brokerage business.

Read the manufacturer's instructions, but generally 1/4" - 5/16" of gap along the wall (measured from the bottom plate if your drywall is 1/2" off the floor as it should be) is ample expansion space and easily covered by the baseboard.

I think you mentioned you are retired and i would not fall in the debt leverage trap at 68.also you should visit the city and neighborhood of your intended investment before signing on any contract. you can scale upto 5 properties in next couple of years easily. property prices are at peak right now in most of mid south and midwest markets. they were cheaper three to five years ago and have barely reached 2006 prices.As far as buying your investment, wherever your number makes sense, invest with that company.