Have some buffer in your estimate (you will always go above your budget 90% of the time).Your builder is the real MVP here.

Depending on the market your looking to work in.one way I find is to simply call one of the major title companies and ask to talk to an escrow officer and then ask them what companies does he/she see closing private loans in their market..

Are both of your properties in JC?

While I have a general understanding of what it takes to set up a fund, I’d love to tap into the collective wisdom here.

Stockton,CA had the most foreclosures in the US, after the housing crash.

I'm moving because I'm ready for the paid stuff, and Zoho has a whole suite of software (from social media to work flows to appointment scheduling) and they all integrate with each other.

Plenty of opportunities. 

Basically, what I said was it would be good to get the best of both worlds.

There are also facebook groups for various cities/states/communities where you can place and promote your listing.Happy to help answer any other specific questions!

All is not lost, if you can find a seller of the apartments who is alos willing to finance the purchase for you;  Or look for a private/hard money lender.