The network and broker you are with can certainly help boost your success, but in my opinion nothing replaces putting in the time and being creative with how you operate your business to show how you, as an agent, are unique to your clients (Investors, people planning to buy for their primary residence, etc.)I also have an REI mentor who has helped with my process a lot if you would like a recommendation.

It seems that you are trying to adapt this to your primary residence. 

If your primary focus is to flip housing then a hard/private money lender is your best bet. 

I'm thinking about putting my rental property with the same insurance company that I use for my primary residence so I can get an umbrella policy from them.

If you are going to leverage it and get any financing, traditional  lenders like to see 6 months PITI in the bank for each property.When I acquire a property I plan to finish in the first 6 months any costs to rehab or improve the property.

Looking for non traditional financing bc I am newly self employed.

Here is my current financial situation: My primary residence is paid off and my current equity is worth about 200k.

We were brainstorming some strategies to purchase our first property, we have an idea to purchase one home with conventional lending and the mortgage in my name (I have an FHA loan for my primary residence), and purchasing another MFH with an FHA loan in only my partner's name.

As your primary residence, you should purchase the best house you can afford with your kids education and extra curricular activities in mind.Problem with SF public schools is the lottery system, but that's a whole other discussion.

TANGENT: Just to be clear, I realize that VA loans are for owner occupants, and I have every intention of making this my primary residence.