In my opinion, many traits that would make a successful real estate agent can translate to being a successful wholesaler.

I've picked up from a few others on the forums the banks rely on the fed rate for their construction rate financing, and this seems to be where the rate currently exists. 

Using credit cards to advance renovation, particularly longer lead time purchsases is fine but as a general rule of thumb if you don't have the cash in your bank account or an already originated real estate loan with drawable funds to pay that card own, you shouldn't rely on credit cards in your real estate business.

These are all topics that will give you a leg up on flipping homes, and will translate directly to becoming profitable, faster.

Invest where you have the most market knowledge or where you can rely on quality team members to inform you properly.3.)

Having no contacts in the area, I relied on my agent, who is investor friendly, he gave me a couple of contacts that he trusted.  

That said, more inventory finally coming to market will likely translate to more options for buyers and fewer bidding wars, which typically keeps outsized price growth in check.

We don't have to rely on a PM who seems to be okay with the property being in distress.

The key is training them to do what you want, how you want, but if you are spread out like that, those tasks are going to be very hard to find and rely on.

Outside of that my mind went to a ground lease option if you could find an end user looking for that kind of deal, or potentially a build to suit for a brewery/pub type location that has a "draw" to it and does not rely so much on being near an anchored center.