definitely look into private money debt funds then  I appreciate that, but I have a wide range of financial products in my portfolio including quite a bit of debt funds.

What would best help limit the taxes paid between us on the sale of the home if we are able to make substantial profit?

People ask about due on sale clause, so research that issue. 

Does anyone have an opinion on the best way to obtain your local market stats and trends (average: Price/sqft, sales price, rent to price etc.)?

Biggest difference from CA are much more favorable landlord laws, taxes do NOT reassess on the sale, and still high appreciation due to land constraints, proximity to Lake Tahoe, tech and manufacturing job growth, Tesla continuing to expand, etc. 

I recommend you attend a demo webinar before you decide on a product.

Builder grade or luxury products?

There are two parties to every sale, and the sale is a zero sum event — every dollar you keep the seller doesn’t get.

And yes, most GCs will charge more to finish half done jobs as they will be responsible for the final product and do not know how what you have was done.

Here is a link to the Comptroller's guide to the non-resident withholding, which may have answers to your questions: https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/forms/current_forms/withholdin...If link doesn't work the document is called "MARYLAND'S WITHHOLDING REQUIREMENTS for Sales or Transfers of Real Property and Associated Personal Property by Nonresidents" which you should be able to Google.Good luck.