As rents grow (assuming this is in a good area where population and incomes are increasing), you can then bring in the property manager and cash flow.

I've already obtained a 5% down conventional pre-approval and am working with a local (Ann Arbor, MI), investor-friendly realtor to find deals.

Since I am not local and cannot have my boots on the ground I am looking at a turnkey who is local to this area.

Many hard money lenders are hesitant to provide loans solely for land acquisition, and conventional loans have been somewhat limiting, especially for land deals.What is best strategies for raising private funds. come to some of the meetups locally in knoxville. our next one is literally called where to find the money and will have a panel of private money lenders and capital raisers. 

The appealing aspect here is the ongoing population growth and other economic factors.

As a local Realtor and investor in Branson, I've witnessed firsthand the ebb and flow of trends that shape our local real estate market.

Nothing beats local knowledge though & speaking with boots on the ground. 

Also ask in local meet ups like REIA meet us or the like about the best title companies to work with for investors.

I'm a Long Island local and multifamily investor.

Charlotte NC has a really hot market with a lot of growth in terms of population.