Denise, Smart!

After pricing everything out, I'm going to try to make my dollar go further by doing things like replacing window glass instead of getting new windows and refinishing the tub instead of getting a new one.

@Brian Terry I use smart move, found them here on BP under tenant screening. 

They are smart, wealthy people who have lots of time on their hands to spend with their family. 

Also, your right, it would be smart to factor in a larger cap-ex, what do you typically use for a percentage?  

When aquiring a property by way of seller financing, would it be smart to negotiate a no penalty for early payment clause into the agreement?

There is no get rich quick model but with determination and smarts you can become what you want to be in this.

Apologies, because I know you were posting about building a house for yourself, but building smart, efficient and smaller here in SWFL is something that I've become very interested in. 

A smart investor will usually try to create multiple streams of income.

Also - " Smile , Keep Eye Contact, (no sun glasses), keep your hands and arms open, turn a quarter or half turn so your back is to the front door as it opens, (Smile and stretch your arms out open in your car just before you knock), stay positive, always be closing for appointment, set appointment for future date, get phone # and cell #, bring paperwork to appointment, ask questions as to what is the most important issue with selling this home, craft your pitch around this answer, close deal, repeat process for next deal "Door Knocking in a nut shell ...You will strike out say 9 out 10 times, so what?!