Anything smaller may not attract larger investors or offer the economies of scale needed for profitability.Design Style: BTR developments often consist of attached townhomes, usually with features like garages and a more upscale design to appeal to renters looking for something between an apartment and a single-family home.Location Factors: The success of your development depends heavily on location.

I agree and as you said "if you want to make money" but in this case I am not trying to make money, right away but rather not loose money if anything.

Generally speaking solid insurance and a good umbrella policy will provide ample financial protection for most liabilities.

If you want to be a passive investor, you need capital, information and a network, but you don't need specific advantage in real estate.  

Adjusting the purchase price, budget, and offers can help you reach the break-even point.Many calculators overestimate cost assumptions or rental comps, which can be both beneficial and a hindrance.

But we had four kids, a hubby who was a car guy and needed a shop or big garages, and a limited income.

Our rent-by-the room residents appreciate a lockable bedroom door, a private bathroom, sufficient on-site parking, a large refrigerator and a large washer and dryer (in order of most to least important).

We live in Austin, TX and are looking to expand however NWA has become quite overpriced and as such we are looking into the midwest and are particularly interested in Columbus OH, Milwaukee, Kansas areas.

Do you have the professionals you need to start an LLC, do the proper real estate/tax accounting, solid contractors to rehab or prepare the property, and a property manager to handle the day-to-day operations? 

And as I posted i grew up in the land business .