There are two idea I’m batting around in my head right now to get started on my REI journey – I can do it purely on the investing side and become a private lender or a source of hard money loans to builders/developers (maybe that looks like funding a construction loan collecting interest payments while buying time to better understand the dynamics and build relationships) or I can JV/partner with a builder and get equity (upside on a flip/sale) which would be more hands on.Curious what ya’ll input, what you think is the best route for me to dip my toes into REI given my aforementioned situation and current market.

I looked up launch control, batch leads, and a couple of others.

These are the keywords that stand out to me in your question:sources, websites, best deals, systems, step by step, factors.You are focused on all of the wrong things.

Or a combo of one of the followings I mentioned?

Quote from @Adam Rivera:I would really use realtors that do high volume of deals in this area you are looking and also property managers.

There is a lot of expansion still. 

I am looking for any tools or tips to get started, I have been in vehicles sales for over ten years and was a mortgage banker at Rocket Mortgage for 3 years before coming back to manage the dealership I started my career at.

This charge is currently not in effect and can only be levied after the Developer is no longer entitled to appoint members of the JVCA Board.

What kind of credit score do they have, and is it high enough to meet the requirements of lenders?

If you read my previous post, I emphasized the importance of showing up for the right keywords.