Hi I am looking for recommendations on small local banks who specialize in mortgage loans in Texas.Any help would be much appreciated.

As for the deck that is a bit harder to screw up as long as it is sealed properly the rest is just you inspecting upon completion of work, as always get someone licensed and bonded.

I would prioritize finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation over one that is local.There are 20+ accountants on this message board who specialize in real estate taxation.

A bit more about us: we run an event based videography company specializing in Ice Skating/Dance but are branching out into wedding and commercial work as well; I have been a career bartender for the past 8 years and I am a huge nerd about food/beverage/hospitality.

That's what I was thinking but if I completed the 1 year of owner occupancy, I would think that I would be free to obtain another one if I wanted to move, regardless of the reason but that must not be how it works even though I'm putting down 15% and not using a special loan program where I'm putting super low down payments such as 3.5% or 5%.

Filing with the state is easy, and you can absolutely do it yourself if you don't need anything special.

Therefore need to get a lien bond.

As others have said, there are cheaper, code-approved ways to accomplish your goal via GFCIs or single point bonding. 

In the mean time I hope that money is in mutual funds, stocks, bonds, CD, or anything that makes a return.

It won't get you any special treatment, but we are friends and it will help you break the ice with him faster.Good luck.