If your goal to to set up a production style operation where you do multiple properties you will want to hire a good GC as it will cost you more in lost revenue than the money you save by not paying a GC.  

THat puts the finished product ready for market on October 25th.

Can anyone advise on this or any other strategies to hold on to this property as a productive investment?

You will get very frustrated with your results if your end goal is to create SEO through blogging alone.However, there are a number of side benefits to blogging:1) Visitors to your site that you produce in your ordinary course of business will have a chance to view content that educates them about products and services related to your business and gives them a chance to get to know your company.2) You will develop knowledge and expertise in the area that you are writing about.  

Are they always selling stuff, yes ... but they are selling products that they believe will benefit your business.

Currently, I am using a couple of products that I cobbled together to make my process easier (or at least it is to me!).

Jason,I would think there is a product out there for him.  

Because of that, we don't get the mass production capabilities like the auto industry that can drive down costs.

Competition isn't real -- if you have a good product and there are customers for that product, you can succeed.You get off market deals by contacting people that are off market and seeing if they would sell. 

Consult a good lender like Upen Patel to get the right product.