Fine-tuning your savings, building a reserve fund, and running detailed ROI projections will help solidify your plan for long-term success.Good luck!

Unless you're in a Class A Neighborhood like Palmer Woods, Indian Village, Sherwood, etc,. the additional rent probably won't support the cost to build:(More profitable to take the build funds and buy another property.DM us if you'd like to discuss more...

You'll get a feel for the age of the neighborhoods, the vitality of the commercial buildings, the ease of location, the closeness to jobs.The markets you're describing are more linear, and usually have lower capital appreciation.

@Ketch BaysStarting small in a cash-flowing market is a smart way to gain experience and build confidence without overextending yourself financially.

I feel like this gives me an instant screenshot of every expense for each building so I know Building A paid $1800 for insurance, Building B paid $2100 for insurance and Building C paid $2400 for insurance as opposed to having one account and seeing Insurance was $6300.

That will allow you to build the additional legal space further amplifying the value of the proprety (more HELOC money). 

Building a Team: While I can handle most of the renovation work myself, I’d need an electrician and possibly a real estate agent.

However, building a relationship on a lack of disclosure or a lie isn't probably the best idea, let alone the ethics of the matter.Hope this helps.

Focus on affordable markets, build a strong network, and continually educate yourself through books, podcasts, and deal analysis to steadily expand your portfolio.Good luck!

For example, it is not unusual for me and my business partner to buy 4-unit buildings for about $250k and be able to rent them out for $4,000+/mo.