I use verified lending companies not banks for these loans and my clients have had great experiences.

I also set up a holding company. 

I currently work with a contracting company I do not have my license yet but will within the next 2 years.

Additionally with my own company we have designed our own letters and our own website that look a bit different from the typical marketing strategy out there.

Are you happy with the return on that investment and do you think it will continue to appreciate (highly dependent on where you are at in the Bay Area)?

You shouldn't have an issue putting a lease in front of them to renew if they want to continue living at the property.

The title company should only provide the statement to that side of the transaction to the seller, and 2 wholesalers.

Similar to if you hired a company to replace a roof-you don't have a copy of the bill for all of the shingles and nails, but you have a copy of their bill that has those effectively built in.

My goal is to build a passive income portfolio, build equity and appreciation in properties, build a strong management system, and continue investing for financial freedom.

I'm settled in now and my rental property is listed through a property management company. :-)