Another option is rental arbitrage, where someone trustworthy rents from you and handles it as an STR, paying you a fixed monthly rent.In the end, it depends on what you’re comfortable with and your financial goals.

This lack of sophistication with money leads many to avoid using credit at all and just continuing to operate within their comfort zone.

An Architect can look out for your best interest in the project plus can bring all the Engineers necessary for the build (Civil, Structural, MEP, Sprinkler/Fire suppression, etc.)As far as the build itself, if it's in an established city or town on a tax lot, then you'll need to go through the design and permitting process, gain zoning approval if necessary, and then build up from there.

If none of them stand out then I'll take my education and hopefully be more comfortable building out my local team, etc... 

That said, make sure you’re comfortable with the comps and the exit strategy, whether that’s selling quickly or holding for a bit if the market doesn’t rebound immediately.To overcome analysis paralysis, try setting a deadline for making a decision.

Personally I use Forefront, but its mostly designed for real estate leads.

You do what you are comfortable with. 

Don't have them do the actual building designs. 

We dedided to do all the details exceptionally well, make sure we are in the top 10% from a quality, design, renovation standpoint when compared to our competition.

While some say the handwritten look adds a certain authenticity, a well-designed sign with a clean logo could attract a different segment of sellers who may prefer dealing with someone who presents themselves professionally.