And to be honest, the fact that they teach tithing in their program and are Christians helps me trust them. 

If you are self-employed with no full time employees your business can sponsor a Solo 401(k), which has higher contributions tools and a few other 401(k) associated plan level advantages in addition to being a very flexible investing tool. 

Depending on your attitude and your level of faith and honesty that also can be difficult because at least half the time you spend with sellers you have to be a little dishonest with the seller with your actual intention of what you are really up to. 

I'm assuming different GPs have varying levels of involvement they want from the LPs?

As @Tim Swierczek and @John Woodrich mentioned, the best way to get you to the next level in value is to do the subdividing and sell it to a developer who's going to do the roads and utilities. 

I hope to at least get some thought going at the individual level as to why we do what we do, especially when some have long ago attained their goals.

Maybe it means absolutely nothing and we keep climbing and making money, maybe we reach a peak and just stay around these levels, or maybe it's the early stages of something negative.

As I have done more deals and built trust with my private money people the rates are now much cheaper.

Keith,For all my foundation work, I use Diegos House Leveling , he does about 4 properties of mine a month and is FAST, COMPETITVE, and the most important RELIABLE.He makes foundation work a walk in the park.

ON A SIDE NOTE: I have a good friend who I trust, who currently doesn't have a job but has around 100k in the bank and is looking to partner in some way/shape/form to make some money in Real Estate.