As long as the city does not hammer the builder with connection fees  ( or waives them would be best) I can see this working well as long as folks will pay that much to live there and of course Schools will dictate how well it will do long run.  

Sure, many of the issues were warrantied and covered under the builder, but you would have to schedule with certain vendors making residents wait weeks for repairs.

After searching his name, it turns out he was the developer of the neighborhood.I was able to locate the release of mortgage from when he sold the lot to the builder, so it seems to me that this is a mistake.

I find it unlikely that one could build a house out of a shipping container cheaper than one could build a stick framed house.I work for a custom home builder, and we are a union shop.  

if you can build at 50% of after value I'd hire you and I build the cheapest of anyone I know in our market and minimum rates. there's 3 builders that build at our rate. only place I can get us to 50% equity is in miami florida and that is new construction that is selling at $1000 per square foot and up and high density 300+ unit underwriting with incredible economies of scale. columbus has lower construction costs but lower exit. we focus on urban core. my best suggestion is look at urban not suburban for higher valuations. you can't control what new construction appraises at so do it in less risky areas. 

fix-it-all (joint compound with some additives) is not suitable for exterior at allYes it will wick in water as the paint deteriorates, and cause more rot, and keeping a good coat of paint on it won't be enough long-term in many/most climates.bondo (polyester auto body resin) is a cheap-ish "alternative", although harder to get detail work just right and not really all that suitable anyway (maybe ok with a good epoxy / primer, perhaps?).

Having trouble having finding contractors/builders in Horseshoe bend, AR.

But I bet that cool Smurf Blue body paint you have costs plenty. 

And Im looking to potential purchase a few and connect with some builders and developers to see what they are buying lots for in this area.

New home in new subdivision i'm in agreement on price with builder.