I self perform most of my construction at this point and find it very difficult to make ground up construction pencil in Philadelphia unless I am selling for $400/ft.

Is there any way to get a construction loan for a self build WITHOUT extensive building experience and references? 

Are you taking it online as a self study, or are you in a class with a teacher?

We also would like to self-manage if possible.

Hey @Spencer Cuello, so you will find most of us aren't fans of arbitrage.I see you listed NYC so you know that you can't do a STR in the city unless you live there.IE: You need to be onsite, living in the same unit you are going to rent.As per usual...

I rent my portfolio out as LTR and self-manage.Good Investing...

Based on your description, it sounds like you would violate the self-dealing rule and could put your SDIRA at risk. 

For example, I have a subject property that has 1682 SF on the main floor and 810 SF of finished basement (the majority of which is about 8 feet in height with the exception of some bulkheads to hide the mechanicals) and 271 of semi-finished basement that is a utility room basically (washer/dryer, freezer, hot water heater, furnace, some storage).

It's a big decision to self-manage.

I am planning to self manage as well and since there aren't many managers in my area I will likely employ a similar strategy once I decide to outsource the management.