A great place to start is https://www.biggerpockets.com/meet which you can use to find like-minded people in your area and every other market across the nation that you may consider.You'll find some helpful tips at https://www.biggerpockets.com/starthere.For tips on how to get the most out of BiggerPockets, check out: https://www.biggerpockets.com/rei/biggerpockets-com-tutorial/The BiggerPockets Keyword Alert System is an awesome tool: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2012/12/1...See you on future threads!

As leases expire and economic conditions shift, the city’s grocery market will likely continue to evolve.

How do you go about determining market rate?

I think it's the best market in the whole country in my opinion.

I would rather recommend being a maximum 3-4 hours drive from whatever market you decide to get into. 

This property has a ton of deferred maintenance but I'm purchasing it well below market value and I have a decent budget. 

I'd recommend looking at costs. your build cost is going to be well over other homes because of the fixed costs like slab, Hvac, roof, etc. check the market drivers and weight the benefits of short term versus long term. long term is no furniture and help pays mortgage but at this size it doesn't really cover everything. we didn't find a lot of economies of scale in single family detached. can you build more than one unit?

This year I may see if if I can get a construction loan to build 20-30 apartments, then refinance with an asset based lender. what markets?

If market appreciates you can get a HELOC on it or cash out refi in a few years to scale faster.

If the stock market goes on a roller coaster ride you have no control.