Everyone in the group were either business owners or serial entrepreneurs or had millions of dollars real estate.  

BUT, I am confident that while the above covers MOST situations, in a country of 300 million + people there are locations where a 12% ROI exists for a car lot - though you may be giving up the “windfall” of a developer wanting and willing to pay a premium for your lot.  

If you can get 15%+ returns and 8-10% cash-on-cash in a passive manner, reap all the tax benefits of owning real estate, and not have to manage the property -- that's more attractive than a lot of other investment options out there. 

No need to even look at a sponsor that is making millions from acquisition fees and also keeping 50% of profits on the back end. 

Most professionals will recommend a separate LLC for every $1 million in assets but I don't think that's necessary.

It is STUPID for someone to think that I wud use an unlicensed contractor to put my half a million dollar projects in jeopardy.

If you have that, you can attract equity albeit smaller projects can be difficult and you will be reliant on friends and family relationship.

I'm new to the real estate industry and the seller financing option is attractive because I see the option to purchase an investment property with a downpayment smaller than 20%. 

I've made millions on Section 8 in Ohio.

For example, Bali’s real estate market has attracted interest from international investors due to its growing tourism industry and development potential.