With your background as an electrician, contractor, and project manager, you have a unique advantage in real estate.

Maybe you have 1st mover advantage. 

I want to take advantage of growth if possible, but also want to minimize taxes and fees (penalties).

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Because I'm not an accountant or versed in tax code and law wouldn't I want a CPA to ensure everything is legally tight and as advantageous as it can be? 

Instead of paying into someone else’s property, you could be using that allowance to finance your own real estate investment.In Germany, you have access to a stable market with long-term growth potential, and U.S. service members and government civilians have unique advantages here.

I, and the investors that I work with find the advantages with new construction investment properties are so great it is sometimes hard to compete. 

And or thought people were taking advantage.

From my understanding, it might be more advantageous to refinance as a rental property at a lower LTV with income from two units, rather than as owner-occupied at a higher LTV with only one rental income considered.