When you're in this business you have to know your market, values, zoning, etc. and be comfortable with knowing what you can and cannot do.

That coupled with other investments, 4% rule, etc will allow me to retire young at a level I'm comfortable with and allow me the time to focus on creating value through ventures other than selling my soul to corporate america.

If it is only 600, and you are comfortable going that low with other contingencies required, than do it.  

If not, start the eviction immediately...either by yourself or with an attorney, which ever you are comfortable with.

There are a lot of great posts in there about VA loans, etc....My opinion is to use the VA loan now and get into whatever type of property you are comfortable with.  

Now, 8+ years later, I feel comfortable asking them for financing options for projects that I never thought possible.

., and where in that area you would feel most comfortable putting your hard earned money.

Id say pull out the equity, purchase the mfh then refi and purchase another & continue this strategy until you get to a comfortable number of mfh. 

I am comfortable with my hard money lender, he knows our market and will not fund a deal he feels is risky.  

As a renovation lender, I suspect the main reasoning behind limiting renovation financing to contractor work is that the bank is more comfortable lending on a property that is more likely to have work done to professional standards and because there is a limit on the time you have to complete the project.