It's been a huge source of education and inspiration for me and my husband on our REI  journey.As to next steps, I would recommend finding a real estate agent that you trust, and also start talking to lenders (banks, mortgage brokers, credit unions, etc.)

You're best option to get all these questions answered is to find a local/regional bank (local to where you want to build) and see what their appetite and offered terms these days for construction loans. 

Would a bank loan on the entire portfolio or would I have to get a separate mortgage for each property?

Uggh, I just when through this a couple of months ago, and even though the tenants were able to shower in their brother's apt downstairs while I gutted the failed tile tub surround and retiled, it was still a nightmare.

I suppose I failed to do this in this case and now must have a corrective discussion. 

It's better to rent 10% below market to an excellent tenant than to rent at market to a crappy tenant that adds pets or roommates and fails to maintain the home.

That is why I never liked buying from other investors or bank owned properties that charge too much in earnest money deposits.

The mortgage company / bank is Midland Mortgage. 

https://www.dallasnews.com/business/real-estate/20... https://therivardreport.com/usaa-bank-lays-off-265...

@Ryan Kinley, I have some success with a local bank in Columbus.