Building new worth it? Duplex alternatives if too expensive?

[Neil Quinn]

I'm in the DC area, where multi-family units/duplexes/etc are basically non-existent, or command insane prices.

If you were going to consider building instead, here are some questions:

1. Would it be silly to consider new construction at this time in 2020 given current material costs?

2. Other than a duplex style, what type of small-ish build outs would be affordable but also be most convenient for house hacking or renting out to a tentant without interacting with them as much? For example, basements with separate walk-in entrances, etc. Are there any builder websites that might show a # of different property builds that might be optimized for something like owner occupied or tiny multi-family/duplex?