A more suitable title would be "Are the Cris Chico methods of buying being used currently?"

I believe the file place here on BP has a variety of contracts, which may or may not be suitable for your state.

I could purchase land suitable for my employer's new venture for $175-225k.

But now it is much harder or takes much longer to find a suitable property that can generate enough return to be attractive to investors that invest in these types of offerings. 

I am currently looking for something in that size but have struggled to find a suitable property.

I would not even consider laminate in my market, but it may be totally fine in yours.I would think you could find a suitable option for $4 wood and $2 install. $8 seems high - may just be a difference in location, though. 

 :)I have been eyeballing a lot suitable for eight units but I haven't made a move on it yet because I have enough to do with just buying existing units.

@Allison Mayfield Even if you write your own lease, you will still want an attorney to review it for potential pitfalls, suitability, and to ensure it is enforceable.  

You could simply add your own cash to the investment but for most people it means that they will have to take out new deb in order to not have part of the transaction be taxable.Your question was really more about the suitability of a geographic location rather than tax savings but since Damon brought it up I thought I'd chip in.  

You just have to find them and work out a suitable barter for your education.