That is what led us to believe it would be easier to sell and turn the money directly over into a new build. 

I am sorry to hear that and understand the pain of putting money into an investment property?

Have them give you contacts/referrals for some of their OOS clients, and ask them how it is going.If "anyone"asks for money up front, move on.

I doubt this goes very far with a DSCR, which will have non-govt money backing it.

Especially if you have some money to put down.

Any advice on how to make your first purchase with little money down is accepted. 

My only worry is will they all be worth the amount of rehab that will be needed and will they even increase in value enough to make this deal even be worth the time is could take and money. 

Borrowing other people's money sounds great but the market prices are high and hard to make profit if you borrow the down payment and borrow for the remainder of the mortgage loan. 

It may be a good idea to have some face to face conversations if possible before you spend any money on deals. 

Is there money in building and selling individual properties as GC if you factor in holding cost, etc?