Key factors to consider include choosing a safe and appealing location and assembling a strong team of professionals to navigate the complexities of the project.

(I'm able to get into this thing for only 10K the cash on cash return is absurd from 37-56% (depending on closing paid and points I pay, its an 8% Cap, 350-450 cash flow (after variable expenses + depending on final rate) Brand new.. seems like a decent first step but the functionality..

How do I connect with people that know people who own land and commercial real estate so we don’t have to depend on “whats currently listed for sale” in order to find what I need?

Depends on how much time you have and how determined you are to collect. 

Highly unlikely you will find many OOS investors choosing to invest in CA.

Cannot have your cake and eat it too (take the payments but then say invalid contract)If it’s a contract for deed (which sucks in Missouri as it would have been faster to have a traditional deed of trust and note), it may state they are responsible for upkeep of the propertyBut if there are no violations and they are making payments you will have a difficult argument to take property backAs mentioned get an attorney  depending on the debt instrument used virtually all of them have what is called  EVENTS of DEFAULT.These include:Non payment of mortgage when due.Non payment of Tax's and or insurance.WASTE  and that is what you have if you can easily prove it..

As for your PM handling both the lease option and rent to own, this will also really depend on the company.

Take care of your credit score--your interest rate will depend greatly on this. 3.

Can owner choose contractors?

I know they take a longer look at projects like this in the valley and I have noticed they tend to accept more projects sometimes but depending on experience you may be asked to bring more money in than an experienced developer and likely to have a higher interest rate.