GC engaged in a VA construction loan process, does anyone have experience with this? 

SORRY advance warning gross discussion but this is the fix: two 5 gallon plastic buckets fill 15% with water buy a "plank" online and put peanut butter on the end.

In hindsight, I wish I had engaged them before we started and built a relationship.

In hindsight, I wish I had engaged them before we started and built a relationship.

Knowing this, I had very few reservations about going in on this deal with him.I quickly noticed that my friend, and now investment partner, was not actively engaged in our investment.

Even when you want real estate information unrelated to the property they manage for you, they'll be more obliged to help you.More liability is passed on to them since they are the ones engaging the tenant.They are likely to screen tenants better than you can.They don't dictate rent increases, you do.  

No, we don't engage in affordable housing; quite to the contrary; at this point (after 15 years I should mention) we have been going up further in size and price point.

While I realize that residential GC's will want a faster turn around time, I share this so you know that you are not engaging in inappropriate business practices by demanding that work not be paid for before its finish, and potentially even holding a "retainer" of 10% of the completed work, to incentivize the contractor to actually finish the work. 

Vinyl plank over outdated tile/flooring, and refinish hardwoods if possible.

I would recommend getting a property under contract, deposit EM, engage lender, hire securities attorney, raise funds, review title/survey, leases, get loan approved, close on property.Reg D raise for sub $5m will probably be $15,000 plus filing fees.