I also get baby bonding through CA, which is paid family leave, and I plan to use this strategically to spend more time at home.When I buy the starter home, based on my calculations, I'd be saving around $6-7k per month.

That is a bit a of a lengthy reply.

I know in Washington state a home owner can do their own work including electrical and plumbing, but as you pointed out has to live in the property for 1 year after completion.If you get licensed as a contractor (in WA state it takes some paperwork, filing fee and insurance/ bond, no test, no experience etc.. )  Then you do the work under you contractors license and no holding period needed. 

.: @Chris SeveneyI've posted on other threads - i'm not really changing my strategy in response to the macro changes, just accepting less cash flow as long as I get the other benefits. mathematically speaking this is given as spread between bond and appreciation/cash flow has reduced LOL you would be okay as you are veteran on this lol

Building is a lengthy process that requires coordinating multiple aspects, which can be time-consuming.On the other hand, buying an existing property is generally cheaper upfront and offers the advantage of immediate availability, so you can move in or rent out quickly.

Trying to explore if there are still pockets in Nova where the returns make sense, given the high prices.Nova is extremely low risk, which is why cap rates are so low, the issue I honestly see with nova right now is the cap rates are often times below what you could get in a bond, and leverage is hurting you right now, I wouldn’t say I Would recommend not investing in nova or investing in high risk market, but personally I’d rather get something in the 5-7 cap rate range and take on slightly more risk to do so. 

Balloons coming due with higher interest rates, China market, China production, Manufacturing production moving back to the US, Worker shortages, Workert pay hikes, Ukraine/Russia food and fertilizer misses, Oil prices increasing due to the OPEC Q1 production curtailments in place, Houthi issues, Panama Canal Water issues, Illegal immigration impact (buy one of those office buildings and rent for $10mm per year for Illegal housing, take advantage) social benefits required, Climate change believe it or not- Buy or sell into that thought process,  US politics, Baby boomers leaving workforce and needing more benefits, Baby Boomers moving from Stocks to Bonds,  etc.I agree things will get worse, but that means more investing opportunities. 

amerika incarcerates more people than any other country. so not unusual. everyone deserves get honest chance qualify for a safe place live. 5. if really uncertain any felon tenant can get bonded to lower risk and should require renters insurance and pay security deposit. just  like all other qualifing candidates even dirt bag govt workers who make these dumb regs into law.6. 

imagine you’ve decided to invest in company bonds:        You see Coke, Pepsi, Tesla, Apple are all paying 5-7% but that’s not good enough.

Policies like rent control, zoning restrictions, high taxes, lengthy permitting processes, and more reduce housing supply.