Then once I find a property that I like to buy I'll start looking at the comps in the area that have been rented and are currently on the market to be rented and make sure that my mortgage payment will at least break even with the rental comps.I'm using rough estimates on Zillow and websites alike.

But about 1 year after we bought the property, they started cracking down on the homeless in downtown Jacksonville moving the crime to the neighborhoods just outside of Jacksonville.

I don't think rent to retirement can vet a deal any better than anyone else or you, they just have a bit of a system. but the new builds in Lehigh acres, Cape Coral, north port, etc are all garbage. septic systems, poor economics, low rent to purchase price ratios, you are banking on appreciation and buying at market. building direct is going to give you a competitive advantage on a 3 unit let's say worth 600,000 you are going to be 120k ahead than if you bought it through them. that's my analysis. if you are super lazy and too busy to make money and have millions to throw around then I'd recommend not thinking much about investing. but you can also invest in funds and be way omre passive than buying a new build from far away. but if you want to add real value then get involved and make it happen. getting wealthy isn't easy. you work hard for your money and there are build to rent developers like us that try to answer and add value to start buiding relationshipsl

I’m thinking a small town could be a great place for me to start compared to big cities.

If your units meet the qualifications of no-fault eviction, I would start the termination process over (because may 25 was so recently I would not gamble and try to amend existing notice that may be found not to be compliant with ab1482).  

Together, the property nets us roughly $1,400/month after expenses.Equity Split: My partner owns 60%, and I own 40%.I'm exploring ways to take out my equity without disrupting this deal, as I feel this isn't the best financial decision for me right now.

I think everyone's situation is different, and when one crafts their buy box, they need to consider their current family and finances.For me, when I started, I wanted to buy 2-4 unit distressed properties in neighborhoods I wanted to live. 

@Mike Levene cost to build per square foot is $200-$300 depending on finishes.So, you can start with that.

Starting looking for opportunities last Fall and so far it's been terrible.

I've thought about commercial real estate and/or residential house building but dont have any knowledge on where to start.