If you negotiated a cheaper cash price you are engaging in fraud!

I don't rent to people engaged in questionable activities, tax evasion or people who have revoked licenses (if they drive up to the property).

How much earlier do you thing a SEC competent lawyer should be engaged to create the offering documents and required filing documentation?

Steps to engage builder/developer for estimatesHow/where to get loan?

I would be very cautious about this and do a serious readability study to see what the best use is and whether you can attract any tenants.You could engage a commercial real estate broker to do a feasibility study and analysis for you or you could do it yourself.Basically you look for what’s missing in the area around the property then go find those businesses and ask them if they would be interested in leasing a space in that location.

I’m in a small, tight-knit community where residents are interested in local real estate investing but lack the time/energy/youth to actively engage. 

Essentially figuring out what is your game and playing that game really well. 

BOTTOM LINE - ALWAYS SELECT/ENGAGE  an unrelated 1031 Intermediary company.

With alot of help from family, friends, agents, attorneys, title team, skilled laborers and handy folks of all sorts ,and, while avoiding pitfalls, buying right, and staying engaged I feel very lucky to be working on my $2M.

Never go on a listing appointment without knowing exactly when they plan to sell.You must qualify your prospects and have the proper paperwork ready before you engage.