I am considering a market about 2.5 hrs from where I live. No immediate connection but I have distant family there so I am somewhat familiar with the area (visited a handful of times in my life). I found a realtor who invests while running a property management business and offering her realtor/PM clients access to her own construction crew.

I am concerned that this is putting too many eggs in one basket. I would prefer to have an unrelated party for each step of the process so that there are checks and balances throughout. This individual was referred to me by a mortgage broker that I have no prior relationship with.

Thoughts?

I concur with your thinking about too many eggs in one basket and the benefits of a more checked and balanced team.  Good luck!