Use the search box upper right and you'll find most of the answers to your questions to help you get started. 

I also learned that you need two people to install upper kitchen cabinets!  

He works a lot in Grandview and Upper Arlington and I imagine would be accessible to west/northwest areas....let me know if you'd like his name.

Closing costs: $3515 (3.5% down on FHA)Conventional 30 year @ 3.25%Income: Current rent: Lower 2BD $800 (rented MTM but I think I might be able to get $900)                     Upper 1BD $500 (I would occupy upper)Market Gross rents: $700-1200 2BDMonthly liabilities: Mortgage (P&I): $399Utilities: $150 Vacancy: $65 (5%) CapEx: $65 (5%) Insurance: $90 Repairs: $65 (5%) Property Management: Self managedProperty taxes: $408Total expenses: $1241Monthly cash flow~ $58.64/mo (Unless I can get $900 for rent then it would be ~$145/mo)My current rent is ~$500/mo with utilities.

An upper cabinet would look weird.

I find many of the "better" neighborhoods price points, Such as New Scotland, Upper Western Ave, etc. the numbers hardly work if you’re keeping a flat to yourself unless you’re renting out additional rooms in your unit.

I'm willing to sacrifice my time, body, friends, and sadly, family as I work to save up for my first purchase.

I'm also looking at an A class in an exceptional A class area where the address is a premier location and people really want to be there.My thought is similar to yours: some people that can afford the units may lose jobs, but for the most part, the very upper class, trendy areas tend to attract a clientele that should be able to handle the next downturn.

In my area you dont have to be a GC to buold your personal home.Find a local bank to work with on construction loan (I would suggest you get a account for that bank and donuts always help) Get a list of your area governing body on what is needed to be submitted for approval.

With this information mind you can property inject yourself into the most beneficial part of the lifecycle giving you an upper hand over other bidders.