However, I'm not sure how to do that with limited funds saved up. 

We just discovered a crack in the concrete slab foundation that is a borderline major problem:- It is a vertical crack about 1/8 inch wide that is at least 9ft long, which is causing a 3/4 inch drop in the flooring and some evidence of old (luckily) limited moisture and termite intrusion. - BUT, it also appears old and probably a symptom of the original house settling.

The only way that works is if they have fully connected utilities and it is sitting on some kind of foundation and not on a trailer.Some folks think they are cool, but you really limit yourself on demographics.

Is there a housing shortage or is there really a problem with the BARRIERS caused by productivity, land use, zoning and mandates that limits construction?  

What strategies or flood mitigation measures worked best for you to ensure long-term profitability?

There were challenging grading issues and limited access from the street to bring in utilities.

I represent a lot of buyers in Tampa, and some hire me for full service PM, limited service PM, and some self manage. 

It's outside Scottsdale city limits (Maricopa County jurisdiction) so it is not subject to Scottsdale's restrictions.It does, however, have a shared well agreement with one other parcel (as almost all in this area seem to).

By way of example, a lender may charge retainage, only release soft costs upon C/O, may limit loans to a set number of draws or only allow draws once a certain dollar amount of work has been completed.

There is no limit, they do monthly/yearly bonuses and pretty much they make it able to make money to invest in real estate.