An experienced broker with lots of choices at the palm of their hand is probably the best bet.

@Brody TrottStarting a real estate career as a firefighter offers lending advantages and flexibility.

Private money lenders or construction loan specialists, on the other hand, are faster and more flexible, though their rates and terms will likely be less favorableFor a more rural area, local banks will almost certainly understand the market better, but connecting with private lenders who specialize in spec homes could provide more agility.

Confirm the zoning limitations: Mixed-use zoning can often allow for more flexibility, but you need to get the exact details.

Given you and your investor both have experience in different areas, I’d say keep a flexible approach and compare city requirements before putting too much money down.

We do want to settle in a little bit here while continuing to do our homework, but hope to get into something in the next 6-12 months.With the way interest rates are looking now and what little I see on public listings, I think a smaller multi-family that needs a little rehab would be the best bet. 

This flexibility has been crucial for staying competitive and profitable.Flipping homes in San Diego has been a rewarding experience, and what’s made it even more fulfilling is building a business that’s about more than just flipping.

I encourage you to be flexible but still be sure to use sound judgment.

These loans are a lot more flexible than "conventional" loans.

If you kept the property, and accumulated the CF/yr, it would take you 25 years to get that same equity that's sitting, frozen in your property.Also, if you cashed out and used that same equity as a DP on different RE, at 20% DP, that equity would buy you $2M in PV, not just $700k,...and, I'd be willing to bet, you could find new RE that would have a yearly CF well over $20k/year.On top of that (remembering my initial statement above), any appreciation applied would be applied to $2M, not just $700k.