Also, you didnt mention any financing costs, was this built with cash or do you roll that into your cost of construction?

In addition to that, you could open up a credit card to get that credit history rolling.

Listings also tend to tick up in the offseason as investor owners look to test the market. 

Once you have a shortlist, sign up for an account with each one and test them extensively to see how they function.

If they pass that smell test and fit our other criteria then it's usually a good fit. 

I’m open to flipping, renting, or exploring other strategies.My mantra is to test new things “fast and cheap,” so I’ll probably begin investing locally in CT before considering otehr markets across the US. 

You can test this, by asking some to SHOW you how they calculate ROI, Cap Rates, Cash-on-Cash, etc., for their clients.Many will say, "that's the investor's problem".They are correct because an investor should NOT rely anyone else to run their numbers.So, then what exactly makes them investor-friendly?

But I’d say if you check the spaces and everything passes the smell test, should be fine.

I like the idea of having them roll that cost into the job if you use them as your GC.

There are costs that you are likely paying for, at least temporarily, to get this all rolling, but net effect is "no money down" for the GP.You could get your rich parents to loan you money from your inheritance, which is "no money down" for you...But, what I think you are actually getting at is, like your example, "how do I get started with little to no money?"