My personal DTI is too high.

I would highly just consider getting your RE License and conduct transactions legally and through a broker, it will alleviate all of this mess. 

I've heard of high yield savings accounts paying close to 5% now too. 

Additionally, my debt-to-income ratio is high.

I do think southern NH/seacoast are great markets to invest in with potential for cashflow and high appreciation along with very low vacancy.

Zip code 27801 has, according to this article Where N.C. mortgage holders are underwater on their home loans, a state-high 10.9% of home loans considered "seriously underwater", Q1 2024.

Obviously mounted up high in a readily visible spot "trail cams" work just as well (as a possible visual deterrent), very cheap online. 

High construction costs and interest rates?  

The rates go up dramatically with a 3 bed and the cost of construction impact is much smaller than building two cabins.  

Since I’ve increased my deal flow to a significant degree, I find that this technique eliminates the wasted time and effort of dealing with people who aren’t highly motivated to close a transaction.