Far too many get stuck in the "paralysis by analysis" stage, thinking they just don't know enough to get started.

Anybody have any experience with a heaving foundation in the center of a pier and beam house?   

You started off good with cost being paid in stages, but it sounds like you paid before you verified they actually hit their benchmarks.b.

Far too many get stuck in the "paralysis by analysis" stage, thinking they just don't know enough to get started.

Our market is lucrative with a 30k employment Air Force base, healthcare, transportation center, Amazon etc as big employers. 

New construction (strip centers, grocery stores, roads etc) started booming the last year.

For example, areas like Chicago have a strong demand for furnsihed rentals, especially in neighborhoods near medical centers.

What I did find is that as a builder in eastern tennessee, I could build STR cabins for less than 70% LTV so that I could effectively BRRR my way into growth without coming out of pocket for a down payment.Now it does take a lot more cash to do because as a builder I have to front a lot of money at times (land, permits, each stage of construction while I'm waiting on the draw). 

Buy in a market not too far away, 30 to 1 hr from a decent city center where values are reasonable and a city push out with help your rent and appreciation. 

Link to article about Falls Event center founder that recently went under & is facing major legal issues.