Biggest key is to develop your local teams.

They will be your biggest maintenance headaches. 

The downside?

Hi @Cameron Goodall,The biggest step is getting started!

Are there any downsides to this?

The biggest difference to me would be in financing. 

The two biggest things that drive the US economy are housing sales and car sales.  

It has a 44.15B market cap so it is one of the biggest home builders in the US.

If not, I'd highly recommend looking into a house hack to build a solid base, and, for the following reasons:- Cut down or totally eliminate your biggest overhead (assuming that is rent?).

It's a good rule of thumb to follow mate.We always get caught up on the potential of a deal or business and don't focus on a "worst case" scenario.Experience has taught me to become a "Negative Nancy" first and evaluate the downside from a risk assessment standpoint.I would always get too carried away and am optimistic and easily influenced to believe in the best in people and ventures.Only to get my A$$ handed to me on a plate.Well not anymore... lol