I also really like the idea of building a brand that you could sell.

I personally like to buy in towns/neighborhoods in which no new builds are possible within 10 miles because all the land is developed.

The biggest question I would ask is how well they know the area such as neighborhoods and do they have connections to building a CORE 4 such as great contractors, property managers, attorneys, etc

Much bigger buyer pool and particularily is in a single family neighborhood with mostly owner occupants, appeals to owners. 

This would increase housing supply, helping to lower costs while promoting homeownership—a key goal for municipalities nationwide.With more homes available, renters could transition to homeowners, giving them a stronger stake in their communities and the opportunity to build wealth.

You're better off focusing on specific markets, specific neighborhoods, analyzing numbers, and building an ideal buy [box].

Only the house 5 down with the same sq ft is literally worth 100K more because the neighborhood actually changes in those 5 houses. 

Portage Park is definitely a prime-time Chicago neighborhood @Delroy Watson! 

to your point, if you save up so that you're in a strong financial position, house hack a solid duplex in a decent neighborhood, make smart decisions, and hold it indefinitely, you'll be fine.conversely, if you have $0 and somehow start out with a risky flip, or borrow $20K and spend it all on a magic mentoring program, or buy a terrible property in a neighborhood you've never been to, you may not be fine.

we underwrite 10% land cost to finished build value.