It's well over a million, well over. 

You get a deduction for the contribution, the gains grow tax-free and as long as you use the proceeds for health-related expenses the funds come out tax free as well. 

I hope I laid this out in an understandable way but I say all of that to say is it worth trying to find a mentor whose already well versed in GC who’d be willing to coach me in my home build.

If he gets the whole commission for the unrepresentated buyer, you might as well get an agent for yourself.

do you add bathrooms and convert the garage to rooms as well?

If you are located really well, the monthly is a bit low unless this is net. 

Your Attorney has been WELL compensated and you should DEMAND he gets them out!

Have a steady 9-5 job but looking to branch into real estate investing as well. 

Hi @Aaron Raffaelli, you've gotten good advice here as well as some good options.

A-rated neighborhoods will not be affordable nor cash flow well here at under 300k.