I would prefer to go with a established company (rather than an individual hustling on the side) with streamlined processes, transparent online accounting, and a long and strong track record. 

This approach allowed us to move quickly and efficiently, ensuring the project stayed on track.

This financial support allowed us to proceed quickly and efficiently, ensuring the project stayed on track and was completed without delays.

Maintain proper records - Contracts, Settlement Statements, Agreements, Promissory Notes etc.Additionally, you can track income and expenses consistently, using software or spreadsheets.As you scale, if bookkeeping isn't fun for you, consider hiring a bookkeeper for a couple hundred bucks per month.

This approach allowed us to move quickly and efficiently, ensuring the project stayed on track and was completed without delays.

Start with small steps, keep track of what you do, and regularly check and tweak your plans.

On track for around $80k dividend for year on a $200k investment.

Bottom line—you either trust the sponsor (based on due diligence, facts, track record and evidence) or you do not.  

one thing you should look at is what are the capital market drivers in the market. in our market housing, mixed use with restaurant and retail, higher density infill, affordable housing, etc. also look at fast track rezoning which is typically for affordable based projects. that's what I'd recommend.

This approach allowed us to move quickly and efficiently, ensuring the project stayed on track and was completed without delays.