I am excited to be joining this community of investors and learning from the wealth of knowledge available!

Dollar General would have developers lining up to build them a new store if they wanted another store to replace their current store so land availability and location is key.

However, there are times when actual costs are not available and a methodology must be selected in order to determine the estimate.

Nothing wrong with considering disposable W2 income also available cash flow for this scenario. 

Not sure how available that price point is in CS or SLC.

Both HELOC and HELOAN options should be available! 

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

Well, of course - that's obvious - but most people in most places in the US are going to spend too much on their purchase because that's what's available.

Also, I'm not sure how you're paying attention to it on the tax side, but the unit that you are living in's profit at sale is calculated differently than the other unit that you're renting out.Once you move out, that unit is officially available for rent so from that point forward, any profit gained at future sale will be calculated starting from that point and will be taxable.

Northern VA is such a great place to invest right now, a great sweet spot in value add properties + availability.