Might be some options for portfolio building loans too- never hurts to ask. 

I'm seeing investors in my area getting creative and buying a property with enough land to subdivide and build on it.

Medium and high end don’t want a converted motel - they want the latest Marriot Assisted Living building with class A amenities and a memory care unit next door if needed.  

Most of what we build never appears on any highlight reel. 

your case is: you want to build capital, you live in CA, your brother lives in MD. 

Looking to build a long term relationship to work with as I build my portfolio.  

It’s one of the most practical ways to build experience, equity, and cash flow at the same time.From here, focus on becoming a pro at analyzing deals in your local market.

I have a few 4-Unit buildings in Toledo.

No matter which brokerage you choose, you should be prepared to generate your own leads (the only way to build a sustainable business) and find answers to your own questions/challenges/dillemas, etc.

Then have a hard money or construction lender fund vertical with a deed of trust in first position during the build; seller stays subordinated.