houston is probably similar pricing to Columbus Ohio but way worse zoning laws. we take 20% on top as a GC and a guaranteed fee agreement. our contracted new construction projects recently:Single family new build spec home: 1513 square feet with 3 beds 2.5 baths 1 car attached $275000 approx $182 a square foot if calculated using heated square feet which means our cost is $145 a square foot. 3 unit / triplex new construction: 2008 square feet 2 bedrooms 1 bath per unit or total 6 bedrooms 3 bathrooms with 3 off street parking spaces. contracted build cost $395,000. no garage on this and better economies of scale with shared roof, slab, etc. $192 a square foot hard cost with our cost running approximately $157 a square foot. 

This also leads owners to ASSUME simpler is better when it comes to management contracts.

Quote from @Quinzel Waiters:There is so many times a seller will say it's worth this..

Lord Knows the SS could use some help !!! 

This will be our first vacation and STR home. 

This is a two-sided beast. 

For a select few, this can be true, but wholesaling is much harder to get off the ground.

Look for those who are truly boots on the ground, as they can offer better insight and guidance based on direct experience in the market.Happy to help if you need more specifics!

We only lend to experienced rehabbers who have been doing this full-time and locally.

Happy to talk through this in more detail and good luck with the out of state investing!