The steps are the same, utilize credit cards, take out small loans, and make sure to make all your payments on time. 

So if I setup an LLC, setup a self directed 401k, transfer money from traditional IRA into the 401k, use that to take out a 401k loan of $50k, how does that work with crossing streams and tax conflicts? 

There's agents that make $1mil per year working with one investor and some that earn that much only selling two listings a year working with no investors directly.

As far as I know, MLS access is only for dues paying licensed members, so unless you get licensed and pay probably $1000 or more a year, you won't be able to get direct access....and you'll also pay for some additional headaches. 

I'm only going to clear enough to build the townhouses and allow for parking in the front and small back yard maybe 60 feet. 

You can put your capital into play in small tranches without having to their entry fee.  

@Christina Galdieri I agree with the comments on the window treatment replacement and the floor to be tiled (looks like a small bath of probably 50 or so square feet of floor tile, so shouldn't be too expensive to make it look semi-custom).

I don’t mind signing multiple agreements so we can view the properties and work directly with the seller’s agent. 

I’m a local agent/investor and specialize in small multifamily purchases. 

I am a tech professional, but I also own a small Home Improvement company with my father who has been in the industry for 20ish years.