Due to personal faith based reason, I prefer to only invest in all cash deals that don't involve traditional financing (so typical passive RE options like syndications, RE funds with fixed returns, REITs etc are not a viable option for me). 

Do you rely on specific data sources, gut instincts, or perhaps a blend of both?

We have a lot to be excited about in our market!

I've been hearing" is not a great route to learn.This is easily a 1-hour talk, but the crux of it is:Step 1.

How can they guarantee a rate of return and a 9 month hold period?

I've heard of these all in house investment options and listened in on a few webinars.

I'm a business owner with investments in retail, media, and addiction treatment facilities.

You may be finding "a" development that has some covenant banning rental's, it's "a" development thing not a builder thing. 

I live overseas and have been renting my only/primary residence on FF for a couple of years now.

We had a property management lead come in for a single family in Cleveland a few months ago.