I'd like to start building up my REI career by bird dogging properties for investors and making commissions or equity stake in the investments I find. 

A short sale would be a more suitable option for you as the buyer.Without knowing all the numbers this sounds like a simple deal.

BP is a great tool that can help you in building a successful real estate investing career become much smoother and faster.  

I just love working on it and started looking into different careers in the real estate market. 

I have rehabbed various homes that I have lived in throughout my military career.

But if you pay the money and it creates a new career for you who can argue with that...

As part of the land purchase, I feel it would be best to present all of the revenue generation options upfront for each property before starting geological, environmental, and civil surveys.I would appreciate any insight on creating value post-purchase, identifying suitable revenue options, forecasting, estimation of potential returns during development, key team members to add (engineers, surveyors, etc.), and deal structuring (I am raising funds for the purchase so insight into owner-financing options, etc. would be great).Thanks for replying,Ryan

IF it doesnt get picked up on BP, let me suggest this.Advertise it in both Cleveland and Cincinnatti (bigger towns near you) on CL, as a vacation or resort land suitable for building your dream cabin. 

Good luck on your successful real estate investing career.

I'm trying to learn about the world of real estate investing through books and am hoping a degree in finance can supplement this "career".