This will come in handy as you begin to scale.5.

(On a scale of: "People would book my place regardless" to "Dockage is an absolute must I'd be vacant without it")- same question about a pool? 

So, MAYBE, on new builds its worth considering, especially when you scale above a SFR.

We already have about 1000 homes, so the scales of economy really work in our favor!!!

Cash offers lower costs and control but limits diversification and potential returns while financing allows you to scale faster with more properties, but increases complexity and risk.

I'm a real estate agent, investor and developer in central Houston and I'm happy to answer questions that you may have as you get scale up!

This will come in handy as you begin to scale.4.

Unfortunately, it's a fact of life if you're using the in-house lender for a large-scale builder. 

You will generate cashflow once you move the units to market rent which is the key to making cash flow in Ca. you wont make money in OOS unless you scale your portfolio fast. otherwise you will earn meagre amount and one maintenance work order away from cash flow negative.All the investors who are happy being OOS are ones with ten plus rentals or moved to the out of state market and became professional flippers and investors. 

While I do like new build for new investors because you get a builder's warranty, better insurance, and first take of renters, you may have to overpay right now which could hamper the scale of your investment.