Because it's my money, I care more (I get 92% of the revenue, PM only 8%, and PM team member near 0%), I only had my units to manage (PM team member has other owners and units), and, with humility, I am smarter and harder working than the team members assigned to my portfolio (3rd party PM has to hire at a level that makes the business model financially work for them). 

I will add having paid off properties even though cash flows more really does not make financial sense.

I know, sorta defeats the purpose of an LLC from a financial perspective, but gets the job done.

While both involve finding and properly securing a site and bringing it to full entitlement, the ground-up process includes the land piece but gets way more involved and complex to execute.The full "Monty" for ground-up development needs to include financial literacy, an explanation of metrics, and how they work.

It wasn't just a financial decision, I'm passionate about RE and way over my previous career in aviation.

I'm totally confident in my new financial famiy...

How long it takes to be financially ready is different for everyone.

Sounds like you are in a pretty strong financial position.

If you have not yet, try building your financial model with this in mind.  

I have found it harder to bring in financial partners on my last property even though it has higher bookings that than other properties.