Going for second trip in January for some more research. 

Platforms like BiggerPockets, local REI meetups, and Facebook groups can connect you with investors seeking opportunities.Joint Venture Partnerships: Consider partnering with a seasoned developer or investor who can provide the capital while you contribute your vision and operational effort.Hard Money Loans: If you’ve identified a property, some hard money lenders may fund the purchase and development based on the future value (ARV) of the project.Crowdfunding Platforms: Sites like Fundrise, Groundfloor, and RealtyMogul cater to real estate developments and could be a great way to gather capital.Seller Financing: If the land seller is open to it, negotiate terms to finance the purchase directly with them.2.

So if I’m understanding correctly, if you sell your home within 2yr of purchase, you don’t have to pay capital gains taxes? 

You can also offer to lease with an option to buy to tie up the property until you are ready to purchase. 

I eventually want to build on the lot but for the time being, I want to purchase it so that no else buys it first.

The tenant refused to communicate about his plans to vacate and finally left the key under the mat on June 2 but made no communication, so we had to make 4 trips looking for the key.

@Tomoko HaleWith STRs its not just purchasing the property. 

I have recently started writing down addresses of run down or abandoned properties that I would like to purchase, but I only have the owner's name.

When running your numbers, if purchasing a home that isn't new construction and less than $1MM, I would estimate 1% - 1.2% of the purchase price as your annual insurance premium. 

Willing to customize to tenant desires FOR A PRICE. obviously, some of the above is accomplished by the particular property you purchased; some by repairs, maintenance and improvements, and some by ongoing service commitment.