Have you considered reaching out to local lenders or brokers who specialize in new construction?

Local florist closed their shop after they tried for a year to sell their business.  

Focus on getting pre-approved, analyzing deals in both cities, and networking with local investors to refine your approach.

I just financed a 3 unit investment property for a local investor that has a few properties here.

You might also consider private money loans, local lenders and so forth.

Hoping to find a local community to get involved with, maybe through Bigger Pockets. 

As also mentioned, there is the local jurisdiction who is overseeing the permits and inspecting the work as well.

I'm calling my local office tomorrow to find out.

I've worked in healthcare for the past decade and looking to invest in local, small multifamily properties.  

They were told by a friend to get a "local" realtor who then proceed to tell my wife/realtor how she showed her clients our property (lie) and cluster up the process as the office admin did all the real work.