I want to pay cash and refi after reno and filling with a tenant and would like to find a lender now that can help me with the refi portion.

Try multiple lenders, including direct lenders, not just brokers.  

I ran the Transunion SmartMove background check with credit report, criminal history, and eviction report and it came back clean, but had to reject two other applicants after their SmartMove scores came back low for low credit scores and numerous pre-eviction filings at local courts.  

Talk to lenders before you jump in.  

(It's actually a property that I've eyed for a couple years, just daydreaming, & reached out to the owner llc during that time but never heard back). tl;dr My idea so far to purchase would be a short term 12-16 month hard money loan, 80% purchase w/ 100% renovation, with private money coming in to fund the 20% & points, refi'ing into a conventional note with my local lender who I have a decent relationship with when the first note balloons. 

I look forward to making connections with wholesalers and lenders, as well as other investors, and hope I can contribute to this amazing resource! 

There are plenty of lenders.. 

Reason I ask is most conventional lenders will offer a 5% down option on a personal residence. you'll still pay monthly PMI but it's far cheaper then the FHA options.

Whoop whoop, and now I am ready to start connecting with some contractors and lenders in the area.  

There’s typically a good mix of attendees - usually one or more attorneys, a number of agents, many experienced investors, landlords, flippers, rehabbers, contractors, lenders, etc.