From there every 20 point increment affect pricing differently.

I know a lot of Chicago investors are here too; but if you were in my spot would you recommend Chicago as prices are too high and I have never been to the city moving next year.

Check AirDNA for demand, pricing, etc.The Dekalb Board of Commissioners has proposed regulations for short-term rentals. https://engagedekalb.dekalbcountyga.gov/airbnb-dekalb-countyShort term rentals require you or your property manager to be hands-on and come with more risk.

Here’s some guidance to help with your next steps:Hard Money Loan: Hard money lenders can often cover both the purchase price and some rehab costs (up to 70-75% of the after-repair value or ARV).

This is usually done to increase your rental income but it comes with a price as you are finding out.  

Single family usually doesn't make much sense from a rent/price ratio in A-B areas unless you are doing a rehab.

A person who has spent his 2000 to 4000 minimum CPA practice hours doing foreign currency conversions at Deloitte for a Belgian energy company may not know the first thing about real estate or anything else.

Some rehab loans offer 90% of the purchase price and 100% of the rehab costs.

I know that I am taking a huge risk by wanting to build but the existing properties are either in areas I’d never live in or too far away from the Metro Detroit area and I really want to come back to the city in the safer parts before I’m priced out in the future. 

Obviously, a lot depends on your price range here and exactly what you're looking for.