@Srini RajamaniIt's never too late to get started and from your previous experience, you can avoid those same disasters in the future. 

Hiring a property management company with experience in the markets you're considering can be a game-changer.Have you identified which markets you want to invest in?

All channels can work, but in my experience, the greatest oppportunities often pop up when you know exactly what your returns need to look like and keep your ear to the ground in your market.

Most of the lenders I work with (provided you have experience and a credit score over 660) would do up to 85% of the purchase price and up to 100% of the rehab costs, provided this doesn't exceed 75% of the ARV.As for the idea of selling the land, great idea.

Partnering: If you're initially short on funds or experience, consider partnering with someone who has more experience or capital.

Your first year will be a learning experience, you will want to be close to the action, as you may not have the capital to pay someone to handle everything.

If their underwriting doesn’t match how the market treats these properties, then they’re using the wrong framework.If they won’t budge, see if they’d accept an appraisal from someone with experience in townhome valuations instead of treating this like a multifamily asset.

Any advice on this and experience/tips from others having gone through similar deals would be greatly appreciated!

I have no personal experience with them but they are the only company I know of that are built more for self managers and small portfolios. 

My experience in a years time clients lose or can't find all the documentation of repairs.