Small banks and credit unions focused on farm/agriculture tend to be the most aggressive with land/lot loans.

I'm currently biased towards Indianapolis based on its job growth and affordability, but you could honestly find deals in any of the markets you mentioned (and if your heart is set on the Atlanta metro area, I'd strongly suggest the towns Union City and Fairburn based on their growth, appreciation, and price -- I almost closed on a good BRRRR deal in Fairburn but the rehab was just out of my budget). 

I am above 50% on standard Visa/MC, below 50% on Amex, and about 0% with anything that is like a local credit unions. 

Before you get too far, I would go talk to every local bank and credit union in the area you want to do this. 

if you're a few years out before starting in the US with RE Investing, the best thing you can do is work on your credit and safe money and start establishing business credit with banks and credit unions here in the USenjoy Panama, and good luck

Closer to home, you could look at military communities with lots of financially stable uniformed and civilian members eagerly looking for a nice place.

Big military base and probably lots of border trade if that continues.

This was my first investment property and I used a loan from my 401k for the down payment and also used a local credit union for a 10% down payment on it when I bought it.

Your best bet for that size will be local banks and credit unions, good luck.

I prefer buying the materials (I get a military or contractor discount wherever I go) to sitting at the counter waiting on a call.