These will be markets where housing is affordable for both residents and owners.

I would love a ideas on what you think might be best to do in the current market and may even be interested in partnering with someone if the numbers work for both parties.

Yesir still operating in the MKE market. 

we build at or slightly below the average new build in our market where there is high absorbtion 

The issue I see is that market has historical appreciation below average (not bad, but slightly poor).  

You could put most of your funds in the stock market and access them when needed for a HML.

It's not RTR's fault the property can't absorb proper cap ex, that's a product of the market.

However, given todays market, it is definitely hard to find one. 

I dont believe so but am not an expert on the topic - I do know that in Texas at least, it is marketed for owner occupants first and then after a certain time period they allow investors to put offers in. 

If I'm ever in need of a broker in the DE markets, I will reach out.