I see a fair amount of positive feedback on the site, but most of it seems to be several years old, do people still find this to be a good place to look?

You can't find a rental anywhere, but renters still love the idea. 

Will check out Evaluator by PropertyTracker.com and keep the thread updated if I find a solution worth sharing!

I'm having trouble finding someone to lend on this.

And in your market the lot costs are so low you need to pay cash for them and may still need more equity/cash.. in higher priced markets were the lot cost might be 40 to 50% of the total cost to build you can get a land advance but your still going to need equity/cash to do those as well.so thats your mission find a captial partner.. or put a syndication together to raise the money and partner to build out the homes.. really going to depend on what kind fo NET NET NET profit is on each home after land a build costs. 

I am trying to find a reputable realtor / agent who will help me place tenants, but also be able to help with semi-annual / annual walkthroughs (for a fee of course).

I recommend taking a look at the find a lender tab at the top of the page or connecting with an investment-focused broker.

DTI and Credit scores are excellent and the property has been owned for more than one year.I realize that there is a "Find a Lender" function on this website, but I really don't want to be spammed with marketing emails. 

Reading Dirt Riches it is stated to find the areas where sales are increasing, and while this information is available on Zillow, Realtor, etc. what are the tried and true resources some of you have used?

There are enough qualified tenants that want good housing that they WILL find you!