If experience is your concern, you can easily partner up with another experienced investor in your area to help balance the risk out. 

Really about growing a strong portfolio of solid deals.Now that being said, if you are a high income earner, well qualified, and can't find reasonably good deals: (i) you can connect with a well connected real estate agent for off-market deals; (ii) you might do a very narrow cost-effective cold call or letter writing.

My experiences were a couple of years ago and I was originally told the appraisal had been assigned and the rate would be $780 but then later I was told that appraiser was cancelled and they'd found someone else who it was assigned it for $935.

It’s also an excellent opportunity to gain property management experience.

Hi Steven,It sounds like you and your wife, Renee, have a wealth of experience in the real estate and construction fields, which is a great foundation for starting your real estate investing business.Given your background in residential remodeling and home inspections, and Renee's experience as a real estate agent, you're off to a strong start.

I would also suggest researching the developer’s experience with similar projects.

The sooner you regain control, prove that you fully intend to enforce the terms of your lease, and that you will not be 'played' by their recall of events or documents, the more effective this action will be.  

Any insights or experiences would be greatly appreciated!

I'm a Realtor and General Contractor with years of experience in Redding, buying, selling and developing properties; and will be happy to answer any questions you have about the market, the area, types of properties, etc.

What financing strategy would be most effective?