. - Pay Builder and/or close on construction loan to build new Rental Property (B) September, 2023.

A few questions to determine if you will fit into a traditional Builders Risk policy or Landlord policy with an endorsement to cover the renovations.  

Ply hard ball with the builder, they are desperate right now to sell.

Or fees that builders add to cover their overhead? 

Lennar was the builder and they did ok.

One is a reputable home builder in the area and the other a GC / Kitchen / Bath company (2-4 employees).

It was my personal home and it was great because I stayed on top of the builder and made sure to have them come and check everything with a 3rd party General Contractor. 

I believe it will be a better option to build with my VA construction loan that is 0% down and has recently removed the purchase limit so i should be able to qualify for a high limit with potential rental income, income from my other properties, along with a solid w-2 job.Does anyone have any advice on local builders willing to do multifamily I am struggling to find anyone who is capable of it of course with being a rental I am hoping to go more with a standard company than an custom design builder.

San Diego RE has historically been a great wealth builder.  

Usually you don't have to escrow taxes and insurance, but there are title charges and builder's risk insurance, so it can get expensive.