Be assertive and confident, and you'll do really well! 

This article gives you a rundown of what that entails.

I assume this entails raising private money.

Although a permit was needed (most dishonest contractors will get the homeowner to pull a permit themselves) you are out of state and relied on his assertions.

We’re not buying and holding one off properties but our business plan entails a long term plan, where eventually my background in new builds in Canada, Australia and the UK would come in handy.

A further analysis may entail a scenario where you hold the property till seasoned - and then refinance based on appraisal not acquisition cost.  

Your assertion that it goes to you is pretty bold. 

Making sense of make believe markets.In a recent NYT article, writer Melissa Kirsch made the assertion that part of what makes us adults is reconciling the contradictions of our identity.

By leveraging their expertise and resources, property managers play a pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of property owners and creating a secure and reliable rental environment.Detecting Fake Documentation:Tenant fraud, a prevalent challenge for property managers, frequently entails the presentation of falsified documents such as counterfeit pay stubs, employment letters, or identification.

This entails building personal / working relationships with people successful in the field.