Perhaps you start a side business or go all out on cutting expenses that are sacrificing things that you want.

The real estate market has evolved a lot in the last few years, with more real estate investors making it more competitive and interest rates cutting severely into margins and also slowing down buyer demand (when trying to get out of a property). 

You may want to contact Elite directly and cut out the middleman.

Given their poor execution, I asked him what would it take to cut the loses and pay the principal back and he said it would result in 50% loss of principal.

"You’re Taking a Cut as a Middleman, Making It Worse?"

Look for ways to increase profits but without cutting corners.

They will typically take a cut of the development fee and it’s worth it.

He probably took a cut in the middle and figured it was easy money. 

It will cut down on the fake accounts created to promote certain individuals, markets etc.

I would assume a greater emphasis on quality of materials and workmanship (and consequently higher rehab cost) for a rental where the investor will have to deal with the longer term implications of any corners that were cut.