You're spot on with how private money lending offers speed and flexibility compared to traditional banks.

Our best use for the property would be to build a couple of large estate home (8k sq' and up) and form a private estate, but, being that we are in the County with no existing zoning requirements, we could also build what we want and potentially turn it into an income generating property.

First, don't use REI Reply, it's just a white-labelled/private-agency version of GoHighLevel (the actual provider of the CRM) that they just mark up and charge you extra for everything you do (every text, email, etc is 2-10x more expensive than just linking twilio/mailgun to your GHL account, etc).With that out of the way, you can get to making workflows.

But you’d have to target the <5% that are privately managed by newbies.

Quote from @Lorraine Hadden: @Robin Simon, Thank you - I see you are a private lender, I will be reaching out. 

Are you sticking to traditional banks, exploring private lenders, partnerships, or maybe something creative like seller financing?

Wholesaling, investing in REITs, private lending, and micro-investing platforms can diversify properties.

While BP has a rent estimator as does rentometer.com (both allow a few free uses, I believe), I agree with @Zachary Deal that your best bet is to seek out guidance from either the listing agent or a property manager well-versed with the area. 

Don't bet on passive appreciation, just forced appreciation.

Verifying the use of the money and confirming in writing that it’s for a business purpose are integral parts of any private loan.