Even if you were buying another primary (which you aren't - you are converting your primary to a rental, then buying a new primary) the bank doesn't care as long as your DTI ratio and credit score can handle it. 

Maybe your wife can get an FHA in her name but then they will only consider her income, not yours.You can use credit cards, hard money, family, friends.

I want to get several quotes from banks/lending institutions, but she wants to interview no less than 15 banks and 5 credit unions and go back and forth with each one and pit them against each other in a "rate/closing cost war" to get the absolute best price. 

Don't do anything that might show up on your credit, even if it is only inquiries.

If there's a way to collect the fee and run Credit check / Background check, that would be a great tool for an investor who is not full time yet (such as myself).

These are things that are cheaper when you hire contractors who specialize in those things, as they can get discounts on the materials, they own the tools and they can finish the job in probably a third the time as a handyman.For example, painters can generally get paint for 30-40% less than a handyman just based on quantities they buy. 

Contact the county or local planning department to see if there are any issues with building on the property - bring donuts and make friends as these people will make or break you.If you are unsure of the borders of the property, then have the seller order a professional survey be done.If there is a Department of State Lands or similar in your region then find out about any special delineations on the property.Find out about power.

My Credit union is willing to loan me 10,000 @ 1.9 %.

Rob, We work with a lot of investors and specialize in multifamily in Columbus Ohio and surrounding areas.  

I bought a property last year that I give credit to PR for helping me get and we will make about 300k on it.