This is dangerous territory because you are talking about your family.

This stuff should not be publicized like this.. the danger to sellers is just too great.  

However, is cashflow wrong and dangerous for most ?

Have you explored industrial properties, or is this still new territory for you?

do you feel that the area is still VERY dangerous?

Running the numbers it does seem like they'd pencil out but definitely completely new territory for us.

.: Sorry, this is not "safely participate" territory.

Looking to rent for $175/night min and total estimate is $100k for the build, aiming for 20% CoC.Any pitfalls/advice for this uncharted territory?

However, with the rates and conditions of any triplexes and fourplexes we could find (we did find one, but it's in the Pendleton Heights suburb of KCMO, so we were worried about it being too dangerous of an area), we were wondering if it's worth it to buy a duplex and rent out the other half to help pay the mortgage, or if it's more worthwhile to rent an apartment and try to save up to buy a residential or commercial MFH later?

Under Alabama law, that is a VERY dangerous play and you could end by losing money.You also cannot sit back and let him build the house and say "Thanks."