We handled everything from clearing lots, framework, slate roofs, to finished titles and hardwood flooring.Right now, my fiance and I are looking for an owner-occupied duplex as our first investment. 

Podcasts, Books, and Mentors you find by networking.I'd pick up a copy of Set for Life by Scott Trench as it has a good framework for financial independence, especially for a newer investor.

An EXPERIENCED builder is different than a Builder.Someone with industry knowledge will fare better at building than a New Bee.But all in all, building is what "Builders" do.If you are a "Builder" you will build--if you are an owner you will buy.Building adds a lot of financial Snakes to the already present Risk of this business.Unforeseen construction delays, site theft, permit scheduling, being a "Small fish" when hiring subs, who may duck your job before completion to take a better job--never to return, no framework to evaluate subs, no framework to issue lien releases, no frame work to make sure workers on site have maintained insurance and not canceled the day after you checked it, etc...Just my 2 cents.

What I really needed was a network of people who know about deals, how to close deals, investors who wanted to invest in deals, and a common framework of ideas to make the conversations and deal structures much simpler to accomplish.I am a 100% "do it on my own" kind of guy who will work harder than any other person in the room to get where I want to go.

Go buy a dozen of those cheap little blank yard signs (the ones with the wire H frame work fine), a big fat tipped sharpie, and a lock box.

., thanks so much for giving me a framework to think about the investment.

To name a few:copies of leasesproperty inspectionsverifying rents (estoppel certificates)security depositsseller disclosing outstanding litigation or insurance claimsThe contract comes first so that the buyer and seller agree on a framework for a sale before the parties spend lots of time and money on inspections, reviewing documents, bothering tenants with intrusive walk-throughs, etc.  

Podcasts, Books, and Mentors you find by networking.I'd pick up a copy of Set for Life by Scott Trench as it has a good framework for financial independence, especially for a newer investor.

Your plan is creative but much depends on community property and cohabitation laws of your state whether that would work within a 1031 framework..  

This can be done through Podcasts, Books, and Mentors you find by networking.I'd pick up a copy of Set for Life by Scott Trench as it has a good framework for financial independence, especially for a newer investor.