I like Warren Buffet's advice to make sure you understand the investment completely before investing.  

we have a development in this area that should be completed in the next 6 months, 2 units. 

On paper numbers and in reality numbers are completely different. this is because with riskier investments you have higher chances for evictions, maintenance issues, management calls, non payments of rent, damage to property etc.

And the exit strategy with RE is much more difficult if you buy a property doesn't align with your goals.I completely agree with getting reps in real life, walking properties, talking to contractors and investors.

The process will obviously cost quite a bit more and Safeguard seems to have washed their hands of it completely. 

How long would the reno take to complete? 

A buyer agreement is the legal document that provides the agent with the assurance that he/she will get paid if they work with you to complete a real estate transaction. 

I'm not the underwriter who approves the loan, I just know what they need which is usually a thorough overview and proof of recently completed projects, where you were the GC. 

It can take a year or more to complete an ADU.

Before sourcing the loan I would  speak with a contractor on getting a complete scope of work done and pricing.