Here are some of the major things you'll need:-Money (Equity) or the ability to raise it as a sponsor-Debt-Proper deal flow with buy-side contracts structured to minimize entitlement risk-Civil engineers familiar with the locale you'll be developing in-Architects for vertical construction if you do this piece-Financial modeling skills-Quality builders with good reputations (this one is KEY) and properly structured contracts with them-Quality brokers to exit the projects with input into what will sellThis really translates to:-Capital and access to capital-A track record to secure loans-The ability to execute with professional resources-The ability to source, underwrite, and exit projectsThere are hundreds of other details as well, but those are the major things you need.  

Your reputation matters.

I always get it staged however and would never show a house that wasn't 99%.As an example right now my current house is listed with the following not 100%:Aluminum trim at gable ends and rear.Fireplace mantle trim and paint.Threshold at front door needs paint.Final laundry hookup tie ins (outlet and plastic trim around it).Touch up paint inside one closet.Basement floor paint.None of these items have been deal breakers, but of course I have multiple other projects going on, and just haven't nailed down finishing some of these.

Have you found any success with a reputable cleaning company?

Who are the reputable property managers?

Leverage their deals and experience initially, often this can come w/compensation but that is not the main point here, its to build your reputation and leverage off of someone's else.  

Secondly, not all lenders do hear loans so does anyone have any reputable contacts that can help me getting a quote?

And im seeing Kingdom Trust Co. and IRA Services Trust Company as two of the more reputable Companies out there.  

I haven't found any "apples to apples" because each of them have different underlying tech, support for leads, building websites (or not), integrated call/sms functionality (or not), reputation of the company behind it and of course price. 

If you sign a deal that is not really a deal hoping to lie your way to getting a buyer it won't work and you will have to back out, going back on your word to the seller and harming your reputation.