Looking to Build a Duplex for our first rental property, any tips/advice helps!

[Marc Gabriel Pangilinan]

Hello,

My Wife and I are Military and we are thinking of getting out soon (2025).  

We are moving from Utah to Florida where her family is, specifically Cape Coral, Florida. We are looking into the market for a duplex to "house-

hack" for our first property but the prices for a Multi-Family in the area is really high for a not so nice duplex.

At the moment, we are looking into building a duplex and we are wanting to use my VA Loan (Construction) if possible. 

What we are currently doing:

• SAVING, when we get out we will have $50K+ in savings for any cost that follows.

• RESEARCHING, Looking into Land to build on and what to look for, and the processes.

What more can we do?

Should we go for construction in this specific area?  We have been looking into it and this is a very nice area that has seen substantial amount of appreciation.

Would it be cheaper to build? In this area and at this moment?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you:)