I am wanting to purchase land and build a small cabin to STR (& personal use) in the North GA Market. 

I am a Real Estate Agent and investor based in Columbus but I personally grew up in Cleveland. 

I personally have bought notes from two different HMLs on BP, and have had all interest paid, and all capital returned on loans that have reached maturity so far. 

I would appreciate any advice on the vetting processes you used to help find the right person to start your journey with.

Each person further down the line hoping they can scam their way in to get paid, and actually having zero idea who the actual contract holder is or who the seller is. 

Small enough but experienced enough to have good referrals (the profile pages of QIs here on BP can get you started) means you'll be in good hands since at the largest QIs in the country your experience will be dictated by the sales manager assigned your file and not necessarily a senior consultant.You've had a good experience with yours to date.

In many ways it's personal preference and where you can find a good deal...off-market or creative financing is the best in FL right now, otherwise the numbers don't pencil well. 

You need some kind of point person.

Asset based loan rather than based on your personal DTI

House hacking will also give you some personal "property management" experience.