It takes time to develop trust and credibility with potential investors, so don't wait until the last minute.

It’s a business oriented mentorship but the man I was paired with was well versed in all aspects of real estate investing and development.

More like  2X to 5X the cash out.. these are done with builder developers on their deals So put out 300k get 300k back in profit plus the interest rate. most small builders/ developers need to have a equity partner so you just do both you lend the money and are the equity partner.. pretty clean..

(FYI - this was an SB9 "two unit development, not an SB9 lot split). 

Network with local investors, undertake extensive due diligence, and develop a clear exit strategy.

Although it’s great you have developed great saving habits.    .   

Hopefully, based on actual field measurements, past project data, and estimating software, your contractor can develop a detailed estimate that lays out the cost of labor and all materials for each phase of the project.

Since then I have developed my programs and brokrered over 250 deals.

The first indication is you spent $290k for $1800 cash flow or a 0.62% monthly ratio.Rent $1800 - PITIH $1480 - $180 (pm) - $90 (vacancy at 5% which is lowest i ever allocate in my underwriting and likely low per the OP description of a lot of new development) = $50 for all other expenses.Maintenance/cap ex on 4/2, 2100’ will exceed $300/month even in cheap labor markets on sustaining basis.  

I have a close associate with a large project there and the local banks have turned off the spick-et on funding his developments and these are very large multi thousand acre deals.