I would connect with a local PM who has connections with the HUD programs so you can get the most accurate information and guidance in your market. 

Quote from @Devin James: Gross Margin is an important calculation for developers/builders.Gross Margin = Gross Profit / RevenueWe shoot for a 20% gross margin on our New Construction HomesReal #’s:Home Sales Price: $374KClosing Cost: $18,700Cost of Construction: $258KLand Cost: $30KGross Profit = $67K$67K/$374K = 17.9% Gross MarginCame slightly short of our goal of 20%Homes Values and Build Costs are constantly fluctuatingI wish we had a crystal ball build larger homes. average new build in our market is 2200 square feet, 4 beds, 3 baths, 2 car garage and sells for 515k. construction costs lower if design is good and find the median or average home sale price and push that up. my guess is you built too small. 347k is cheap. we target 429-479k price range in columbus ohio for single family homes and also only purchase close to urban core where premiums are 20% higher and we build smaller like 1500 sq ft where price per square foot goes up. 

Every market can be invested in successfully.

The newest outdoor is still advertising 1st month free as they haven't filled up, and I spoke with the climate controlled owner/builder yesterday (he's a pretty big REI in the area), and he made it sound like he hadn't leased a single climate controlled unit since they opened a few weeks ago.I recently purchased a 140x45 warehouse with low ceilings and had debated doing self storage, but my market seems very saturated.

Those that own it can be harder to sell as the cash flow from the business will cover the debt service for the business, but not for the real estate.Example: I had a very high-end assisted living facility on the market. 

Similar to what Patrick stated - most have ITINs and have seen a lot of loans like that and those are sold many times on secondary market. if not I know people who still originate I would say they are tougher to sell on secondary market but there are still buyersRe: jay comment - price of notes has doubled over past five years on many loans - especially defaulted or loans with some hair too them. 

I would rather invest in safe markets that produce a good return, then I can use that income to pay for a vacation anywhere in the world.I'm very pessimistic about the STR market in Hawaii.

As someone who occasionally works with these investors, I always try to emphasize the challenges that come with real estate like managing renovations, dealing with tenants, and navigating market fluctuations.

Not familiar with those markets, but here is my experience starting at 22 and what I regret after house hacking twice: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/922/topics/1133476-hous...

If you can get in before a property hits the market, you can often negotiate a great win-win deal for everyone.