Attend in person networking events in your area (there are many in and around Vancouver). 

I personally like the buy-and-hold strategy and we help clients who share this long-term, wealth building mindset. 

I financed the acquisition of the land with personal and private money.

I love talking personal finance and real estate investing so I would be happy to help.

Personally, I advocate for a long-term investment strategy and would recommend investing the funds, provided you are comfortable with the expected return on investment over time.

Even if you personally have just a modicum of design aesthetic sensibility, after reviewing 20 or 30 properties, you will quickly be able to get a sense of the winners.My 2 cents,Mike

JeffWe lead a couple investor meet up groups in person and live stream about the Central Ohio real estate market.

With regard to renovations, I always suggest taking incremental steps to bigger renovations or partnering with someone who has already done a renovation at that level.I've been known to just go for the big rehabs for my personal investments here in Chicago , and during that process, it's always more stressful than it needs to be...As far as navigating the competition, I've found the best thing I can do is get EXTREMELY CLEAR  on what I am looking for; then I am confident pulling the trigger quicky. 

Or a personal loan if interest rates aren't cost prohibitive?

I was thinking if I can talk to my neighbor about sharing the cost (I, the landlord, personally provide labor and my neighbor provide material (e.g. fence pickets)).