Then that next area of diversification you are entering is completely beholden to one piece of real estate.  

With a promotion of Navy Federal will pay for closing cost and appraisal if needed.

I know that I can buy a lot and use that as a down payment, but I have two pieces that are making me a bit nervous.

REI's aren't buying properties, they are buying pieces of a market. 

Are you looking for a certain amount of protection just in case something happens or piece of mind?

Then, once we have that dialed in, I'll probably work the same strategies in other markets and just do the lead gen piece.

The agent in Columbus was encouraging of buying long term rentals in C neighborhoods while the agent in Raleigh was promoting short term rentals in B areas in Raleigh and Durham.

Also any suggested ARV promoted by a Wholeseller should be considered pure trash,

Agent Compensation Promotion: While agents can promote buyer agent compensation on their websites for their listings, it cannot be offered on the MLS or any collective/shared environment.These changes are set to go into effect in mid-July 2024, subject to court approval.

Give them a deadline to complete the project or cut your losses and find someone else that can complete the project ASAP.Lots of hard choices, but that comes with being an actual investor and not all the rainbows & unicorns that many on this site promote.