We are cementing our growth strategy as a local and regional builder and looking to grow into subdivision development so we control more land but wanted to seek advice in the forums about this. 

I believe it was because I had good track record with the the local lender, $25k cash in savings, and a property that appeared okay in photos.  

Local real estate Agent Michael Rush out of Saginaw.

I’m local to the area and have a few good insurance contacts that may make the difference for you. 

Since you're focusing on affordable markets in the Midwest and South, it’s important to verify rental demand, property taxes, and local landlord laws.

My recommendation would be to start finding deals and working local REI meetups to see who you can run into. 

Consider sourcing a local REI group for that info.I recommend evaluating your local area first since that is what you are most familiar with and most accessible.

I understand that you borrowed from VCF, but I'm curious if you talked to any local banks/credit unions to comparison shop and if they were competitive?

After a couple of weeks, I gave up and hired a prominent local Realtor.If this is your situation, I'd look at one of two options:  1) Figuring out how to make it work as an owner 2) Sell and take the loss.

There's no difference in a local flipping a house than flipping the small mixed-use building that is vacant in town into a couple commercial units and some apartments above.