We would have preferred to work with them within reason to make it a quicker and easier process.

This is one of the reasons I use a CPA for everything.

Ultimately, I wound up doing a 92-unit deal my first time around and realized that part of the reason I was struggling to win deals was simply because I lacked the credibility to be do so. 

I say not for the following reasons.  

Is anyone else aware of reasonable alternatives?

If you already have low respect due to a pre-determined mindset, it's hard to approach the community with an even or reasonable keel.

There’s no reason to go through a disaster (I'm mid recovery myself) and not get the financial upside by becoming the developer and selling a finished product versus raw land.If you have to completely rebuild, it’s a two year process at minimum.

Real estate purchase using reasonable leverage, at todays interest rates, will build up equity through amortization.  

I’m also open to alternative strategies, such as private lending or passive investments in funds, to diversify and balance risk.Does this phased approach seem reasonable given the higher HELOC rate?

Reason for asking is that I am trying to understand what a reasonable target rent per unit is for specific geographical areas.