My main concerns are being able to get financed, having the tools to find and make a good deal before others do, and having the right contractors to help progress, 

If an economic recovery actually occurred during the past eight years, the Fed didn't notice!

I do not know what that is like right now because I have been in the recovery mode for almost 6 years.  

I (lender) recently switched firms to one that has a pretty nifty toolset that I did not previously have available to me.One of them is a system to track paperwork submitted and loan progress.

I'm aware it could slow progression due to some profits not being reinvested in the business however, I feel my progress would be even slower trying to school full time, work full time, be a responsible adult, and invest in real estate. 

I have not seen that one but keep very up to date with the progress of the train

Land Value Recovery - values have largely recovered (almost to the 2014 high point of the cycle) for land.  

You don't want anyone to see the full progression from start to finish; you only want them to see the before and after pictures, the stark contrast between what you started with and what you turned it into.

This is the most progress this city has ever had.  

The syndication route takes experience and networks of people.Good luck on your progress.