I've thought about buying on the high end of what I could afford (in highly desirable areas) in the hopes the property values will climb.Should I forgo financing entirely and buy something "cheap" that I can pay in cash or take a minimal mortgage on?

When I was looking for more MF, he pitched the ground-up construction idea because I couldn't find any MF that I liked.  

You want to be the reference (in terms of knowledge)- Understand how to do the financial modeling of this type of asset or if you outsource, make sure that person is available when you pitch. 

If your goal is to minimize fees and have the lowest rate, I would normally advise the client to start with their current bank if they have a clean file.

I am in the development world and our pitch is "a dream team of Architect & builder" building quality homes.

Point is that you can minimize effects of a downturn and/or over saturation by having a property even marginally better than those around you.

If you have a suggestion I’d be interested.I’ve been pitching your last suggestion for the past two years to people who ask.

Many of our first time investors utilize seller financing because it requires minimal downpayment for each investment property.

Passive income preferred, with minimal hands on needed.

and to understand how they fit together in your toolbox, as none will give you everything (e.g, insurance is required and it will cover you for many situations, but not always; asset protection (LLC) is litigation insurance and complements regular insurance, by minimizing the target and making it unappealing).5.