@David Morrison Generally, the size of lot doesn't dictate how many bedrooms you can build - it dictates how many dwelling units.  

Ultimately these are the playing pieces on the board that will determine how a market will grow, in turn justifying a long-term hold.The Atlanta market is currently experiencing these types of anchoring points that will dictate how much the property will grow in the next 5, 10, even 20 years.

A couple thoughts: who your market is will dictate to a large degree how you respond. 

The market (or government) will dictate how many banks it needs.

The cash receipts method dictates that cash or equivalents are taxable income in the year of actual or constructive receipt by the taxpayer or taxpayer's “agent”, regardless whether the income was earned in that year.

Your relationship, assets and experience will all dictate the type of structure you can use. 

Rent rates are dictated by the market.

Buyer and seller can write up any agreements they want to, but the money dictates the rules.

Assuming it wasnt a bank loan then the bank would dictate the draws.

The type of transaction will dictate what documents are used.If you are getting a loan, your lender will give the settlement agent instructions on how settlement is to be closed to protect your interests and theirs, but the method is excuting your note and deed of trust or mortgage and the seller making a warranty deed.