Curious, did you ever start your project? 

Cold calling is a great idea to get started, but maybe try connecting with local real estate groups or online forums too—they can sometimes have off-market deals.

We started construction in February 2025 and are planning to start leasing up in Spring of 2026." 

You should start with both of these suggestions. 

Realistically speaking, except in very rare cases, I think it’s all about pictures pictures picturesMost people aren’t gonna have success  starting their own booking website or running targeted ads or creating some amazing Instagram account.

I started as a real estate investor in Philly, but was disappointed with the GC's a subs I was finding. 

I will still use alt. lenders from time to time depending on the circumstances but I will also achieve similar LTC financing through traditional banks and when I go to my capital partners with a term sheet for 85% LTC through a traditional bank with a fully capitalized interest reserve, healthy contingency funds and soft costs built in and the real estate great, its far easier to raise capital because far less equity is required to fund the deal but this all starts with the quality of the real estate.

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

I also am starting a 4-class certificate program in REI.

My only concern to look out for is that things can go 'rural' pretty quickly if you start venturing outside of town, and most lenders are going to put the brakes on financing if the appraisal lists the property as 'rural' (has to do with what they perceive as the availability of future tenants).Watertown, NY - It probably is as good as you believe, but the lending licensing is pretty tricky up there, so its just  bit more difficult to find lenders that operate up there.