1031 exchanges have been interesting to me, although, outside of a DST, they still require active management.I received an invitation from a well regarded real estate developer to 1031 exchange into an acquisition they are doing. 

Far less risk than developing and you'll get cash flow immediately.

It explains the team that you should develop to have a strong foundation under you while investing remotely.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/core-four-real-estate-team

Traditional banks sometimes balk at it because they see it as riskier, but local credit unions or regional banks tend to be more open to it, especially if you can show a solid plan for development or resale.

You don’t have to keep contemporaneous daily time reports, logs, or similar documents if you can establish your participation in some other way.

The more you can develop that growth mindset the better off you will be, but it will also take a couple trips and faceplants!

Depending on what you are paying vs the condition of the property today, might be better deals out there on East Side in more developed C class areas.

They don't just touch the coast, it's how they wrap around. that storm that came through Asheville are was what a once in 500 or 1000 year storm and most development has to be done to a once in 100 year storm ??? 

I am local in Arlington and do pay significantly less than $200/pier but I have developed a strong relationship with my foundation contractor and give him multiple jobs a year. 

Most developers would just utilize the extra yard space for outdoor storage.