Or did you choose those specific deals because they were equity? 

Beware, though, you could definitely end up having a reputation as a slumlord!

Could you give me some advice on choosing a bank and which lender you used for this deal?

It's the National Association of Residential Property Managers that most of us (good) property managers belong to, and it's a good place to start to get a few company names for your first interviews.If you go to the Home page and click "Search for a Member" it will give you the option to choose a state or a chapter.

I could choose to eat out wherever, with no groupons or deals and pay full market price - easily blowing $150 in a night.

I'm a newbie investor who recently purchased a duplex through a company here on BP that has an excellent reputation, and stellar reviews.  

I feel like I'm being too paranoid about this, my area isn't a big one and I just want to make sure I don't shoot my reputation in the foot before I get started.

Using a 203k to acquire a 4-unit property in San Diego is an excellent strategy, so I commend you for choosing that path.As for your questions:1.

If funds are low you may want to look into wholesaling, but be forewarned reputation is everything, and wholesaling is a lot of hard work...If you want to learn how to wholesale correctly, I recommend Vena Jones-cox out of Cincinnati..

It gives them a set pay-off date, the certainty of an easy foreclosure since your a commercial deal (if necessary), and you can refinance with the ARV at a bank of your choosing.