You're local to me.There's a couple ways to go at this ;If you're looking to save some money you can have your plumber install sub-meters after the individual meters.

Can't believe I've been reading Rich Dad books for years before ever hearing about Bigger Pockets via David Greene books (BRRRR and Long-Distance RE Investing).

As I have noted in another thread, the number of individuals who post on BP about the Huntsville market that have zero experience investing or managing properties here has accelerated recently for unclear reasons. 

A zip code average of an area does not represent an individual property’s characteristics.

Hard to understand your post but am assuming you are saying that the individual acting on behalf of the seller was assumed to be an agent but you are finding out they are actually a wholesaler?

Unique pieces are great for "Flair" and individuating your property but if it fits in a suitcase and isn't fixed to the wall or floor then it will not be long for your STR.

I've been wanting to get into real estate since when I read Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki in 2004.

As you develop the park I would strongly recommend your homes be individually metered for water, sewer expense prorated and garbage paid by tenants via individual can service. 

I can't think of a worse investment strategy than lending unsecured loans to individuals who don't have funds to cover the deposits associated with real estate transactions.

You also can sell individual lots instead of all together.