He’s a general contractor in Chicago that does large rehabs and buildings. 

Also, you can possibly take equity out of your current properties instead of taking out a construction/hard money loans.Purchase and Rehab Financing:If you are doing simple purchase and rehab (not ground up), then it's not that hard to qualify and you just need to right broker/program.

On the flip side, the margins aren’t quite as high as with rehab projects.

After a rehab budget of $20k, We resold for $355k which was the highest recorded sale in the community EVER!

I also disagree with this. there are many lenders that do not have a seasoning period whether you recently had a rehab completed or not.

This is a case where I want to manage more and make sure I'm addressing it correctly. 

Also, for value-add deals, how much rehab are you willing to take on?

So I would expect a pretty heavy rehab for off-market.  

@Jeffrey HayesIf you post a link to the listing (usually Zillow) and/or the address then we will be able to help you.

Address Your Financial ProfileBridge the Revenue Gap: Highlight your equity in the duplex and use your sale proceeds to demonstrate “skin in the game.”Partner to Compensate Experience: A financially strong and experienced partner can help offset your limited track record.Focus on the Land Deal: Secure the land at a good price, as it’s a crucial step in gaining credibility and attracting partners.Final ThoughtsYou’re entering an exciting and impactful space in real estate development.