I would not be surprised if this was a very well thought out plan that someone would move to another country that could avoid everything you mentioned while living there where ex pats are welcome and can live a wonderful life. 

EDUCATE YOURSELF - yes, it will take time, but will lead to a selection that better meets your expectations & avoids potentially costly surprises!

I think you may be happily surprised while still being in compliance.

This significantly lowers the cost per door and improves your return on investment.Scalability: A three-story walk-up design allows you to maximize your build cost and land use, just like most professional apartment developers do.Control with New Construction: Starting with a new build ensures fewer risks, as you’ll have control over the property’s condition and avoid surprises from existing structures.Pro Tip: If you do go with an existing property, make sure to thoroughly vet the deal to avoid hidden costs and issues.For first-time investors, multifamily new construction is often the best way to scale quickly, reduce costs per unit, and build a sustainable rental portfolio.

That being said prepare for unexpected expenses. 

I would find that surprising for L-ville though.

If it's not and you've profitably developed land like this before, then by all means DIY.Yes, the MM will make some type of money on the deal, but I wouldn't be surprised if the 5-6 developers only work with MM as they're not interested in teaching a landowner how to develop land. 

Next, and you may be surprised, what hobbies and other interests are important?   

He told me that the only time in his 30+ years that the scammer paid off is when the crook unexpectedly died and had a large life insurance policy that was able to pay off all the creditors.

Reno's STR demand has been unexpectedly strong and rewarding.