I am about to pay the land cash 500K, then build 10 apartments for roughly 1.5M.

I am looking to focus my investing on the commercial space specifically value add apartment complexes.

Hi Adrian-Through local networking events, deals I have been a part of and needed to bring in contractors, and asking for referrals from other active investors and investor friendly Realtors.To your success!

I wouldn't be opposed to having a little skin in the game (closing costs, inspections, etc) I would be living there paying market rent and doing the improvements myself.

In this option your agent would either get paid from you directly in your closing costs OR from the seller via seller concessions.like Russell said, if you are comfortable with the transaction and understand what you are signing and you don't need things explained and you have connections with inspections and title companies then go for it.

The first apartments I rented as the owner, were previously rented by the former owner at $150 month including utilities. 

Also recommended getting a home inspection. 

First, I schedule an inspection, quickly.

That's why Hard Money and Private Money are so hard to tell apart and to know when to use them because if the money in unconventional then it's private money right? 

Yes, the bi-yearly nit picky inspections can drive me crazy, (torn screen , etc) but in the long run it’s worth it.