Hypothetically, if documents can't be recorded electronically or physically for whatever reason, it shouldn't be a roadblock in a legal sense because non-recorded Deeds and Deeds of Trust are still binding in TX.However, if the lender requires the documents to be filed before they fund the loan, that's a lender-specific policy and any exceptions would be at their discretion.

They have been trained to trust but verify.

I know this is not unique to Raleigh, but just a suggestion to be cautious and find a GC and/or contractors you trust. 

Also are they're any reliable/well trusted general contractors in the DMV area? 

Being a more personal business, you're able to build trust with portfolio lenders that opens them up to taking bigger risks on you.

Partnership: I believe there must be an agreed-upon on who does what or who decides on what, and that there must be an element of trust between partners!

Oak Trust Properties is a really good company. 

In order to have checkbook control, the IRA account will need to be at a trust company that will allow the IRA to invest in an LLC (where you will be the manager and your IRA will be member - an as manager you will have checkbook access to the LLC bank account).

I am trying to buy a property and intend to put it into my trust..

I luckily found a friends neighbor help me out a ton with the lending side of it and I will be personally using him for every deal going forward because of the trust and relationship we built organically.