Good tenants never pay late as they respect their contract.

Using terms like this is how you gain respect for your ideas? 

They are always respectful.  

We've contacted a handful based on a general internet search but believe referrals from experienced individuals are much more meaningful.With respect to mortgage lenders in particular, we are hoping to find a lender/loan officer who has particular experience and/or uses an appraiser with particular experience with multifamilies in the local South Bronx area.Thank you so much for any referrals and recommendations!

Rents are $1,300 and $1,400 respectively.

     I'm going to respectfully disagree, the regulations in Palm Springs almost guarantee you will have lower occupancy, then other cities where you can have an unlimited number of renters per year.

Any accommodation you make, if possible, is goodwill and just being a good person.With respect to where to put a phone line; the depends how far you are going to go.

My goal is to be a property owner/manager (mailbox money) and develop in a way that is thoughtful and respectful to the existing neighborhoods and city. 

I have no problems telling someone I hire that I will not be talked down to, that I hired them for their knowledge and if they cannot treat me, their customer, with respect, that I will take my business elsewhere.When you first meet with them, you can explain that you are a real estate investor looking to establish a relationship with a contractor for your current and upcoming projects.

With respect to the type of loan, I'd be inclined to go with your choice to do a HELOC on the property after the improvements are made.