And always check social media for red flags and I agree with Vince, always meet a person.  

If they are available online or in person.

The challenge was balancing the relationship between landlord/tenant and a personal/friendly relationship.

Conventional would allow you to add a fence or do yard work in your bid.I cannot lend to you personally in MA but happy to answer any general questions about the 203k or other Renovation loan programs!

I would network in person or in FB groups. 2-3 months to close is crazy.

If an in-person visit is not feasible, we can easily arrange video tours to accommodate your schedule.

With comps ranging from $875K-$1M and your estimated build cost at $550K, the after-completion value gives you a significant equity cushion, making this project highly attractive to lenders.If you plan to hold and rent the property, you could refinance into a DSCR loan after construction, which bases lending on rental income rather than personal income.

Have you calculated what your (monthly nut) is you need to survive business wise and personally?

I am personally buying a lot in Casa Grande, Arizona.

I spent many years managing myself and personally collecting rent checks.