How can I manage/track payments? 

You and your brothers are on the right track regarding real estate.

Chris I think your on the right track I bet there is something in those reports that is causing this issue ..

What is a simplistic software to assess current property as well as keep track of finances such as profit? 

Based on my experience even with hiring contractors you may also need to do some minor project management to keep the project on track.

Any advice or responses are much appreciated.On a new build, I’d highly recommend using a gc, too many moving parts (literally) to keep track of, & if you screw something up, it could be a massive disaster. 

To me the downside is lack of control, and transparency (not that they are hiding anything, but you just can't track the numbers like you can with your private portfolio), and possibility to lose it all due to financing and LPs position on debt structure.Just my 2 cents.

Justice Department Says It Will Reopen Inquiry Into Realtor Trade GroupOn Friday, the U.S.

Going into a potential deal, I look at the track record of appreciation (sales comps) in the immediate area, not the general area, and based solely on properties that are within 10% higher/lower in sq ftg than the property I'm looking at.I have a goal of a specific number ()in dollars, NOT percentages) that I need to achieve in appreciation. 

Getting the loan with a bank would be a challenge without employment or track record (if self employed) so you're probably looking at hard money and I would venture that may even be a challenge.