Form a team: Assemble a trustworthy group of experts, such as a mortgage broker, property inspector, real estate agent, and maybe even a property manager.

You may have success with Multifamily DSCR Loans for 5-10 units - then really once you are at 11+ its going to be a whole additional/different set of lenders - commercial mortgage brokers probably your best search/bet if its significantly above 6 units in your buy box

I'll definitely look into it.My guess is that a 1031 is your best bet.

@Daniel Judge You bet.

I'm assuming you used FHA on your duplex in 2021 so that 5% down conventional would probably be a good bet. 

The architects also probably have a pretty good handle on the costs of construction because their plans are getting created for a certain price point.If you don't find what you are looking for, then it is a very solid bet that it's not economically viable.

On the other hand, if I do go through insurance, they might find reasons not to pay out, resulting in another zero-dollar claim.Do you have any recommendations for where to find a reliable, trustworthy, transparent, and accurate insurance company or agent?

I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years.

I don’t know what Minnesota has for a definition of “substantive” contact, but I bet there’s a disclosure form for denying an agency relationship when one is vetting a potential buyer who wants to see a property.

Its a safe bet that you can make more than 3.75% on your money somewhere else with little to no risk.