I am either considering setting up other MHs or constructing a duplex on the other property.  

I think that you need a better inspector and inspection check list... that seems to be where the break down is.

The construction cost is estimated to be around $180,000.Buying a Property in the Midwest: Alternatively, I could take the $180,000 and buy a property (or properties) in the Midwest, where the rental market is more affordable.

Two contributing factors are high construction costs and regulations that make obtaining a construction permit difficult.California already has a large housing shortage.

I hate to miss out on the accelerated depreciation with the CSA.Hey Patrick, To make things smoother, you may just want to make the newly constructed residence a rental for two years and then move in after.

Thats ground up new construction prices just about.

@John Underwood It is going to depend on the type of construction (old vs. frame), distance from a station, etc.

Some of the challenges are tenant friendly laws and high costs of construction and maintenance.  

If Jesus came back and got into rentals NO, N-O-B-O-D-Y get's admin access into our system. 2) They want a standardized list for maintenance items so they know in advance what repairs would cost.Being a PMc I'd invite them to acquire any of the readily available construction estimating tools/software out there such as RSMeans, but would not take on such a task as building and maintaining such a database, honestly for any $, it's simply not what we do. 3) They want a copy of all invoices from contractors to us so they can verify we are not marking up more than promised.A-ok. 4) They want to be able to talk to our contractors before work is done (each time) so they can talk contractors down in price themselves.I'd be fine with this as long as they sign a waiver that they own any/all negative impacts that result from such including extended vacancy periods, vendor refusals of service necessitating there own self-search to secure amicable vendor etc etc.. 5) They mentioned that they pay around $300 for full paint in a 2-bedroom unit.... we do not have a contractor that will touch a full paint on a 2 bedroom for $300LMAO!

I also build new construction and do remodels for the community.