I would recommend finding an investor friendly agent in the area you are wanting to invest to be your boots on the ground.

Additionally to that I am looking to expand into 3 other markets but I have boots on the ground in those areas.

Good HML's in ground up or rehab will provide a very easy/handy way to request and distribute draws using something like Built, which we use and it gives our borrowers and our team a single source of truth for all things draw-related. 

Looking to build a boots on the ground team that can really guide me in the right direction and be my eyes and ears.

I am 'boots on the ground' in case anyone wants to use us to make calls or inquire more information.

@Stuart Bartle - If you are interested in Chicago and looing for some boots on the ground and building you team...I am happy to make some connections with lenders, agents, contractors, etc.Do you have a specific area of Chicago that you are looking in?

I don't know if this is your first ground up construction loan or not, but I would ask about who administers draws for the loan.

It takes some serious knowledge and work.I would not buy into an SA wine business without getting boots on the ground and doing some due diligence.

However, one idea to consider is some "middle ground" for your investing...

Whether you’re looking at SFHs, duplexes, or other properties, it’s important to pair on-paper data with boots-on-the-ground knowledge to really get a sense of values.If you’re considering anything serious in Detroit, I’d recommend connecting with someone who knows the market inside and out.