I have several contacts in new home construction, architecture, land developers and community organizers who help me locate buyers and sellers.

I love where you mind is at and how organized your post/plan is.

Several of the contractors offer helical piers but don’t seem to think they’d be a more cost effective option - we can directly ask about this again.  

@Rae Chris Ann Arbor is pretty expensive, so difficult to find cashflowing rentals.You may want to look in Ypsilanti - if you want to stay in your area.Otherwise, Metro Detroit offers a LOT of options.Read our copy & paste below for some helpful info:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Have you ever taken out a loan to afford the down payment for a mortgage and do you know of any lenders that offer that?

When you go to a Bank or Credit Union, they can only offer you what products that bank or credit union offer.

Have a scenario to run by everyone:My wife recently received a job offer in which she would make a lot more money, but we would have to relocate.  

I have noticed a lot of investors are seeking out cities that are offering lower priced lots and simply adding a Modular or Manufactured and capturing a very nice cash flow.There is a new trend starting in Florida and in other states where an investor buys a piece of land or lot and add a 'Tiny Home". 

Having a separate savings account for each deposit is a better-organized way.

Examples might include areas in the Midwest, Southeast, or Sunbelt regions.Multifamily Properties: Consider duplexes, triplexes, or small apartment buildings to increase unit count and spread risk across multiple tenants.Short-Term Rentals: If you’re comfortable with the management requirements, STRs in vacation or business travel markets can offer significantly higher cash flow potential than traditional rentals.Value-Add Properties: Look for opportunities to buy undervalued properties where you can force appreciation through renovations or better management.Decision FrameworkRun the Numbers: Compare the projected cash flow, equity growth, and tax implications of selling versus holding with a refinance or HELOC.