When I ran the numbers compared to US real estate, the added leverage potential here meant that it was not worth the additional hassle to continue investigating Dubai. 

Then it has an expense tracker to compare budgets to actuals during project execution.  

Relative AffordabilityDespite recent price increases, Buffalo’s housing market remains more affordable compared to many other U.S. metros.

You will likely need to rehab for any strategy but Co-Living will be more bedroom additions which is less cost compared to kitchen and bath remodels that are more needed for furnished rentals. 

The new appraisal just doesn’t make sense, especially when compared to the first one.

@Stanley Nguyen You can have an SDIRA despite having a 401k through your employer - it works just like a Traditional or Roth IRA.If you have SE income, you can have a Solo 401k, too, but you are subject to the annual contribution limits across both plans - your Solo 401k and your 401k through your employer.

Step 3: Compare build plans / specs to decide what you want to build.

Well you'd actually be netting more in the long run by doing so compared to putting it towards the home. 

The Northeast and Midwest are expected to be less affected by the oversupply compared to the Sun Belt and luxury properties.

Not the greatest occupancy rate, especially when compared with somewhere like the Smokies.