In South West Florida, there is the SWFL REIA which in my opinion is a really good group with people that give you access to a lot of valuable information and people you can partner up with.There's also the Collier and Lee County Round table which is a lot more informal and also smaller than the one mentioned above.

I would be open to partnering up with someone on the ground who can source properties and project manage.

Investors: should I partner with someone, harnessing their experience (and net worth/liquidity)?

Prices are real high in San Jose so many will need a financial partner.  

The construction financing is a program that requires the builder to already own the lots. you need a money partners / equity partner.. the vertical loans will want first position.

The only other option that I have seen that is "the best of both" is a company here in California that has setup a fund you could contribute the properties to and receive equity as an investment partner of the fund that gives equitable share of the entire funds properties without exposure to liability.

My partners and I have been running a real estate meetup here in Tampa since 2022, and you are more than welcome to attend!

did the OP, who's question you were answering,  mention anything about a partner? 

Evening from Alaska, My business partner and I are new to real estate investing and trying to get our first deal going in a high-interest rate market.

My business partner and I have full time jobs and have fully funded our first purchase.