There's also huge development projects, many spearheaded by Dan Gilbert's Bedrock investment company. 

Perhaps they can provide weekly updates here on the status of the development.

We talked about an aggressive paydown at a rate of $5k for the next 6 months to make the deal sweeter for the next person, but renting it would be preferable to that I believe since I can get a higher return on smaller development projects at a burn rate like that. 

If it were me, I would reach out to other franchisees in your area (perhaps your Development Agent might have some insight...see...I know the Subway lingo and I've done Subways in my banking days).

It can be discouraging for newcomers.Solution: Develop resilience and learn to view rejection as part of the process.

@Dave FosterAre development rights “real property”?

Quote from @Jason Hatfield: @Jaycee Greene  they require a non refundable deposit and give 48hrs to see proof of funds I would suggest developing a relationship with an HML/PML that would give you a "guidance line" that would basically be a "pre-approval" for situations like this to present to the buyer/auction company.

Try connecting with smaller developers and they might be able to bring you on easier than a larger company would.

Instead of platforms like Angi, try building relationships directly with contractors, architects, and developers.

Given the location and how the town has been developing it seems like a good investment opportunity for rentals.