Alright, I believe I have this figured out. I have been looking in an out of everything I can find and it was way easier than I imagined.
Basically, using this tool:
Create a LAS dataset—ArcGIS Pro | ArcGIS for Desktop
There is a way to add "Surface Constraints". This was apparently what I was looking for.
Steps:
1). Use Create a LAS dataset—ArcGIS Pro | ArcGIS for Desktop
2). Input the .las file
3). Add your Surface Constraints. In this case, my survey points acted as "anchor points" in the surface constraints
4). Run the tool.
5). To create the TIN, you first need to filter the LAS dataset to just show class 2, which is "ground".
6). Run this tool: LAS Dataset To TIN—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop
7). [Optional] You can filter out some of the extra data created by the TIN by using this tool:
Delineate TIN Data Area—Help | ArcGIS for Desktop
Thanks for your help, Dan Patterson ! Just going through the first link you sent got me to where I needed to be.
...ok... looking closely at this again, the SECOND link you wrote,
Add Files To LAS Dataset—Data Management toolbox | ArcGIS for Desktop
does allow me to add surface constraints.... Geeze... If I only read closer, I would have seen this through and through. [smacks head on desk several times]
I should never have doubted you, Dan!