I would recommend buying a standard SFH with opportunities for an ADU, or a split floor plan where you could rent out the rooms!

Their plan is to raise rents (on the poor remaining souls, improve infrastructure and exert some sweat equity. 

We both run our own businesses but we feel that real estate will help make sure we both maintain our life plans of not needed to work as much any more.

would get estimates and see how long to recover the money and your long term plan for the property

It's a great way to talk through your plans and goals for real estate with people that actually understand! 

Bulldozed the house and plan to build a new house on lot in the future Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

No, he's not an architect, he drew all designs, floor plan, site plan, etc, and we had a structural engineer design his part, and paid an architect to sign off on them.  

I am looking for recommendations for best financing options.The owner is considering financing it, but until they agree, I am planning as if they will not do so.The local credit union I use, who is very investor friendly, is unable to lend on properties larger than 4 units right now. 

Since we will be investing remotely, we plan to work with a property management company to oversee day-to-day operations.Does this sound like a solid strategy for a first investment property?

What is the audience and goal of the marketing plan?