Although my company is not based in NY, we are both buyers and private lenders on lower $ ARV SFR properties throughout the U.S.Wishing you great success.

Absolutely make use of all the online tools available throughout the processEvaluate resumes and reviews/recommendations from trusted resouces, peers and past clients (like you would on LinkedIn for example)Narrow down your search to the top candidates and schedule in-person interviewsChoose your top 3-4 final candidates and check referencesThen ask at least three to provide bids for your scope of work requiredEvaluate the bids and pick your top candidate...then there is one crucial step left...Make sure to take an in person look at the physical finished work your final chosen contractor has done recently.Like almost everything else in real estate, choosing a great contractor requires time and effort.  

I am an experienced real estate broker based in the UAE for 13 years, working to market and sell UK investment developments and UAE residential developments to international clientele.

I already had built a small tech based startup since 2004, I know I can do things, and as much shame or regret dropping out might cause: its a risk I had to take. ...

I finally realized that I needed a very educational based company and decided to choose the company that offered what I was looking for.  

Wondering if anyone has any advice on banks that would lend in my situation--lending based on the equity in my home alone?

You either need to choose a property that will appreciate a lot or you need to force appreciation by buying a property that needs work at below market value if you want to reuse your original money.Conventional lenders are going to want 6 months of seasoning before you can get an appraisal based on the after repair value.  

I could be totally off base here though.

I'm based out of Florida, but have been investing in Indianapolis as of late.

I personally would suggest raising the rent and adding in a higher Vacancy buffer, especially if you check the local rental rates and see its plausible based of comps.