For reference, both of these properties are in South Jersey in a town called Magnolia, New jersey. 

I live in West Michigan and have reached out to a local inspector for advice referred to by an agent friend, but haven't  heard back yet.

Hello @William Olszewski, I work with a handful of good realtors  that I can refer you to to see which best suits your needs. 

If that is true (I've seen a number of blog posts referring to that, but I haven't verified it) then wouldn't it make sense to go FHA, HomePossible, FHA, HomePossible?

Is there any other creative solution I'm missing?

There are options before and after purchase, but your "solution" starts with the answer to my first question.  

I usually work through all of those solutions creating financial models of each with me choosing one that best meets my strategy long term. 

Are you referring to buying a portfolio of properties?

When I "screened" this guy, I got his license #, bond #, and three references (all of whom I called and received good recommendations from).At what point do you walk away and hire another contractor to come fix the job?

Lastly if you are not self managing interview 2-4 property managers and definitely ask for references and call them.