People even started to just throw their trash on the ground around the dumpster when it is full.

(Could somebody throw me a ballpark figure on that?)  

I had just planned to rent for 2yrs before I try to buy, but I hate throwing money away and wondered if it can be done sooner counting the rental income.  

Kinda throws off your analysis.

In fact, some people roll their IRAs (that they're not wanting to convert) back INTO a current 401(k) plan, leaving the only remaining IRA funds that they DO want to convert, to avoid throwing off their ratios.  

I understand marketing campaigns, and the need to "stay the course" before you "throw-in-the-towel", but I'm considering dropping this campaign.I've been doing it for about 6 months, with minimal results.  

I am not trying to throw cold water on your plan, but be sure you understand the risks involved before investing.

Throw them in a spreadsheet and average out the sqft.

Depending on levels of finish I would throw $125 (min) per sf for new construction not counting demo. 

I made a suggestion of using Craigslist and going to REIA's because I'm throwing ideas out there.