Then we paid him an additional $17,500 to complete the next stage of the project (plumbing, floors, etc) but that's when everything went south.

You're forgetting about knowing the locale, site due diligence, zoning analysis, getting you through filing/permits and many other things as design professionals (Architects AND Engineers) are responsible for.

However, my perspective is more cautious, driven not just by statistical analysis but by firsthand observations in the field and insights from investors and developers across the country.

Being an engineer, I am wondering if there are areas[deal analysis,  underwriting,  acquisition, financing, or investment/funding)  where some automation (intelligent insight, reasoning, and decision support) can help you grow the business. 

The purpose of the CPL is to expand coverage beyond the commitment/policy and beyond the title insurer itself to others involved in the process (title agents)... your scenario.Quick search -- https://houston.fntic.com/getattachment/6efdc91c-3146-46bc-a...I was saying start the analysis there as that would seem be the simplest route to recovery.

Would like opinions on things to consider that I may not be thinking about as a rookie on conventional or DSCR loan assuming it appraises for the calculated ARV during analysis vs finding other ways to flip now.

Planning to BRRR and still in the beginning stages - will keep DSCRs in mind.  

We are currently in the final stages of an AI driven software that is going to essentially allow us to manage co-living properties effectively, without any of the staff or operations typically needed by rental properties.

The commission paid greatly outweighs having to go back on the market and potentially getting less than you listed it for the first time.Some individual markets are better for this than others, but if you have an agent with a great strategy on the list side (professional photos, staging advice, etc) and you pair that with listing the property at a low price; you increase your chances dramatically of getting a bidding war and not only offsetting the commission but potentially making more than originally planned. 

My wife and I are in the very early stages of real estate investing.