Assuming that factor and proper strategy being equal, are there any tips, pros/cons anyone can offer regarding one area out-weighing the other?

The rehab stuff that was mentioned is more for a systemized business where you have a lot of activity otherwise the time and cost may not outweigh the benefits. 

I wonder though if the cost of the appraisal may outweigh the tax benefits? 

Hey @Winn Merwin , Yes, there is a lot more time associated with managing it though the benefits seem to be outweighing the pains associated with it. 

Seems surprising to me that the cost of installation for a traditional system in a new construction project would outweigh the extra cost of the mini-splits -- not to mention that the aesthetics of mini-splits are much worse (in my opinion) than a traditional system.  

The negatives outweigh the positives --- Not a good deal.  

The cost of doing that probably outweighs the savings you'll realize for an SFR.

If you want to keep your powder dry like @Mike Dymski said then it would seem that getting the owner to maintain the required cap ex and delaying the need for capital outlay for acquisition until the end of the term of the option would far outweigh the discount offered today given all of the other "stuff" going into this decision.

You might use modular where the site constraints dictate that site built is totally inefficient, and therefore the modular costs make sense: tight site access, hillside, need for fast construction that outweighs the need for cost, etc.

Any profession that requires a professional license opens the door for regulation, however MLS access, networking opportunities, and potential for additional income might outweigh the disclosure requirements and increased potential for lawsuits.