Should I be looking for financing first or for a real estate agent? 

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

I would appreciate tips from anyone who has experience making this model work in these areas or similar markets.Looking forward to your advice and recommendations!

came to me through my personal connections How did you finance this deal?

I have found people willing to owner finance their house to me at a lower interest rate.

Any tips on targeted marketing, effective lead generation, or even some "outside-the-box" tactics?

This is anecdotal, but I come across of ton of GCs looking for spec-build financing in local meetups and networking groups, such as on facebook on in person meetups. 

They are inherently more expensive than conventional financing and each DSCR LENDER has their own guidelines. 

Be ready for a huge amount of information at your finger tips.

Your LTC leverage is also very similar to a bank construction loan but between origination fees and interest charges you will incur  ~$20,000 more in finance charges during the life of this renovation project.