I’d suggest PMing me and get me on the phone before you waste any more time :) Rockstars know Rockstars. 

For the most part, people are much more skeptical on solar because it's installed on the roof, impacts athletics, and it's something that needs to be "dealt with" (either maintenance, contract with supplier, etc.).As @Charlie MacPherson added, mini-splits are a great value-add and through mass saves you can get a 10 year 0% loan if they having heating capability.As for Geothermal -- A real challenge can be ground rock in this area.

Many guys out there that you can hire for specific work such as electrician, plumbing, sheet rock, paint etc

I'm a former builder who got rocked pretty good in 2008 then took a job out of state and just recently moved back to the gulf coast.  

Close in a exterior area and make it into a air conditioned workout roomConvert a garage into a large living areaRepaint outside of the houseChange from typical arizona rock yard to grass in front and back yard.

When the stars align like that you have to take a close look at that option.

I think there is a lot more multifamily in Little Rock, but if you want to stay in Benton you might have better luck trying to network to find off market deals.  

I usually look in the area just north-east of downtown LA (the region spanning Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Montecito Heights, all the way down to City Terrace).  

Rock on Joe, that's truly inspiring and as @Mike Dymski said, we have some things in common =)

Michaela, yes -- you seem like a RE rockstar!