Does anyone have any leads on financing products that would provide exceptions and not need 25% - 30% down?? 

Make sure you understand how the product is being assembled in the factory vs at the site. 

Almost no actual investors were there, just people who wanted to be investors or wanted to sell products to investors.Mastermind - I loved it.

We are very aware of HELOCs, HELs, Cash Out refi’s & these new “Selling off your equity” products but I’m wondering if there are any better, other or private lender options for accessing equity in your primary residence? 

There are some pretty nice discounts on many products and services offered as Perks to BP members that you might want to check out: https://www.biggerpockets.com/perks/proI really like the alerts feature that can quickly guide you to current topics that might interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

Or will portfolio lenders also offer this type of loan product?

Back to the original thought -- As I said, I found this position, and with my 15+ years of sales & sales management under my belt, the transition from product to service sale came easily to me.

Family products are extremely hard to find and buy in the marketplace.

Lots splits that are basically administrative you can take on debt. my current 90 home project  600k to 800k finished product we bought from when it was 2 years through the process but still took 2 more years before we could break ground..

I'd be interested in hearing what product you're using for the water sub-metering and what the expense/unit is to do so.