I can look at NYC or Atlanta, or Topeka, and figure out the crime rate and such... but those stats vary widely based on the neighborhood.

Here are basic stats on single-family home sales for July 2019 for the City of Austin and the greater Austin area:Here's an recent study of housing affordability in 130 US metro areas, including Austin (pic below).

I do know of some resources that give you data on crime rates, pop. stats, and rents, etc in an area.

The websites for both are filled with tons and tons and tons of data, stats, graphs etc. 

Sure, the average agent is working with people who buy one house every 6.7 years or whatever the current stat is and don't require the agent to work hard at calculations or research that an INVESTOR's Agent has to be expert at. 

Carefully examine the experience and character of the sponsor and you'll tilt the risk curve in your favor.

Now.. if the city reviewer/examiner has a specific problem with this project because of the stop work order/un-permitted work, then that is a separate issue.  

Below are some stats about the property to give you a sense of what I’m talking about:Location: Riverside, CT Lot size: 0.44 acres, waterfrontSize of proposed new house: 4,000sqft + basement

Kalamazoo is the place to invest right now as it's much less competitive and year over year appreciation in many neighborhoods is every bit as much as GR-- at least according to the stats I've seen.

You plan to take money from the 401K - have you examined the tax consequences of that?