I am a real estate agent, property manager, and investor in Upstate NY, specifically Buffalo and the surrounding areas.

I'm looking to build a 2500 sq ft two level ecofriendly single-family home which incorporates natural surrounding into the design, I'm trying to figure out what my cost should be for architectural plans: elevation, floor plan, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, etc.  

Appreciation is just the cherry on top.The last few years Toledo somewhat caught up with appreciation but I believe we are capped now.It's a slow moving market and always behind the rest of the country.There is just not enough demand/infrastructure growth like in other markets to support continued appreciation.Historical data shows the Toledo market appreciating at the pace of inflation which is nothing to brag about hehe.IMO, it's a cashflow play and you should consider building a larger portfolio because it will be safer.Owning 1-2 properties can be a "hit and a miss" and really not the providers or PM's fault.There is a high likelihood of turnover so it's important to build a larger portfolio.If you experience "drama" on 1 or 2 properties, the other 4-5 are performing and can subsidize any losses incurred on the few that temporarily aren't performing.Wishing you much success

Would looking at the surrounding rentals be a good place to start?

I'm looking for land/teardowns in Miami and surrounding neighborhoods to build new construction properties. 

What I'm trying to understanding better is creative financing, analyzing the surrounding markets, making connections, and many of the other industry-specific concepts that can really only be learned through real-life experience.The idea of REI came about between myself and my friends because one of them has access to a large amount of capital that he received from his parents as a gift.

The government is investing around 8 billion euros into developing the infrastructure there, including casinos, shopping malls, sporting grounds, and residential communities.

I think Chicago has a lot of houses in the surrounding neighborhoods of downtown that are up-down duplex, so a building can be 4 stories high with each unit having 2 stories.

Hi Tricia,You are correct Lakeside Township and the surrounding areas are a very popular vacation destination for Chicago natives. 51 acres with R-2 Zoning would be a great development opportunity.

Hi Forrest, try to take a look at the current real estate market conditions in North Park and the surrounding areas.