They claim to be storing lithium batteries for power production via AI for PG&E but they claim their goal is to be the "Biggest Lithium Battery Storage Facility in the World".

Unless you are a veteran or using a DPA program all loan products require some skin in the game (down payment) and that is how most people start their portfolios. 

Lower quality products have seen super low occupancy numbers as of late.  

It's only natural to pass these costs on to the consumer, it's the same thing with almost every other product you buy.

Most of them absolutely see the value and have much more productive ways to spend their time (like buying more properties!).

You could also look at selling the "paper lots" in advance of building out the infrastructure, but that depends on your financial ability to take this from dirt to finished product, and ultimately for holding long-term if that's the goal.

We've found our contractors are more productive and there is much less confusion on renovation costs/budget. 

That mid-range investor if doing a fund in that range is going to be very difficult to find enough product, cover your overhead and pay the investors. 

Though I would say its a very saturated market nowadays I would consider something like as service based business if your goal is to get started with large cashflow 

Your income would qualify you for the Homeready/Homepossible products and you may find that is better pricing than FHA.