He checks the main items--roof, foundation, hvac, plumbing, electrical, structural...but doesn't do a deep dive into the cosmetic issues or small items.

This was one of the major things that was holding me back on buying property in the first place with fears of not having enough time to be involved physically.  

@Edward Beck I am a structural engineer in El Paso (working on my license).

Sure they can if you structure it correctly.

I have tried everything from management in the restaurant business, to driving over the road in a tractor trailer trying to find a business that can grow beyond the heights I can reach physically.

Also, would it be better to establish a company for this process as we will be doing a good amount of the actual physical work in preparing the lots ourselves.

@James Green Thanks for the imput I will make sure I outline the compensation structure great point.

Some Community banks limit the number of Properties (or $) to each Legal Entity or charge Audit fees to review your LLC structure.  

Now though I am looking to grow my portfolio, and am getting interested in the idea of marketing for seller financed deals with no (or little) money down.First off, I read "Structuring Zero Down Deals" by Joe Crump.

2) Mortgages with shorter fixed rate a period than amortization.  5 year fixed with a 15 year amortization is a pretty standard structure for portfolio lenders.