I am in the process of gaining expertise in land wholesaling and I am seeking to establish connections with builders, real estate agents, and investors who are acquiring off-market properties.

Happy to connect when you need help sourcing off market Augusta GA deals.

The one caveat I have about that area is that it is starting to be classified as a declining market.

In regards to your markets you mentioned, TX is likely going to be a better market for appreciation than OH. 

Or dive into the other town and learn from scratch all over again on the rental market? 

There is definitely more options for investing opportunities on the open market than on the land bank. 

They sent a very professional slide pitch deck that showed all of their justifications around that specific market, e.g. employment market, housing shortage data, the new developments in the area, the air bnb data, etc. etc.They also stated the numbers were conservative (7 year to reach the target returns) and that likely it will be year 4-5.

There also aren't too many properties out there that have a value add because buyers will pay top dollar for whatever comes on the market.

I can't tell you how many properties have units easily convertible from 1 bedroom to 2 bedroom units, units with favorable dimensional standards which can boost rents with no photos to showcase these attributes, assessment square footage that is not correct,  upgrades not identified in the marketing materials etc.

the reality is BANKS left the fix and flip market after the GFC.. very few will do them unless your a premier client of theirs with a  long track record and they are doing them as a service to you.