Cody,It is not easy with low down payment and  with current prices, property taxes and rates to live for "free" these days in most of the country.

Currently I am exploring investing in new construction rentals with the goal being to better calculate cash flow at the front end with maintenance/cap ex expenses being low for a prolonged period of time and predictable.

If the companies are large enough, and can tie down enough real estate at low prices to make them work, it can be profitable. 

Go online to Home Depot, Lowes, etc. just to keep tabs as to what's going on. 

Usually yes, however there are crowdfunding opportunities like sparkrental.com that allow for low entry.   

I think inventory is going to stay low so the quicker you can turn it around, the better and I agree, you will be in good shape when you go to sell.

The costs sound a little low to me if you are talking turn key including permits, site work, utilities, plans, surveys etc.

Hard to let go of the low interest rate. 

From what I understand there are numerous amateur beekeepers that can be found on Facebook groups that will do this for a low fee or even free.

You own it until you sell it.To make the most money as a wholetail you want to fix unattractive things (at low cost) and clean and spruce up the appearance as a whole.