HI Melissa-  I would recommend you contact a few property managers in Bluffton SC to get some recommendation. 

I’d recommend listening to the straight up Chicago investor podcast for local information, going to the variety of meetups that are in this great city, and meeting a lot of the people posting here. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Careful going outside state lines -- contract for deed is not allowed in Texas.I didn't think COD is illegal in Texas, just perhaps not recommended anymore, because it is difficult to comply with the rules or regulations. 

Quote from @Bob Avery: I don't recommend leaving a space blank because someone could later attempt to add something in.

My Insurance Agent has strongly recommended that I put a Construction Agreement in place with my Contractor to shield me from liability, etc. 

LOL Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

You could do it your way but I’d recommend a bit of a hybrid model.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.