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.

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

Quote from @Connor Williams: I saw another builder local to me offering 4.99% financing. my question is how or who can offer financing like this on houses I build ?

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. 

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

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

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.

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

Hey guys, I look at the benefit of the LLC as keeping a loss from one from spilling over into other LLCs or your personal finances.