One of the best drain opening/maintenance techniques I've used in multiple old homes is by pouring 1/2 a gallon of white vinegar down the drain, letting it sit for a few hours and then run warm water through the pipes as a rinse.  

@Dale Lotts - I started by making it myself and can show you techniques to do the same through leveraging multiple tools out there.

@Joan Brown, I have done this technique and haven't had any credit issues (scoring or otherwise).

This technique is useful when there is some sort of delay in getting construction started.  

I'm curious to what strategies / techniques others have found.

If you don't have it then ask the question "what do I have" and tailor your acquisition accordingly.   

Crowdfunding also allows relationships to bloom at lower investment amounts so that the stakes aren't as high as they'd be using offline techniques.  

Next, I would discuss with a CPA who can provide tailored advice unique to your situation.

Tax strategy and entity type decisions should be tailored to your specific situation.

there is a document management software that is tailored specifically for real estate. http://www.softwareadvice.com/cms/document-management-comparison/