Matt,As others have said you need to find where you want to live,  I work with investors that find house hacking new construction properties give them great bang for the buck.  

Depending on local regulations, you can mix up STR/MTR/LTR. 2) Get systems in place in those exact cities; 2 PMs preferably via NARPM, 2 high quality inspectors, and rotating book of handyman, 1 lawyer, and a credit union contact for leverage along with investor friendly nationwide lenders.

Through your local bank that you are using, are you reapplying for each new home for a seperate construction loan or are you setup as a credit line with them and just submit a new budget for each new home I do want to also add that my banker who is the VP of lending and branch manager has been banking me for 30 years..WE have been through all he ups and downs including the GFC were I got almost totally wiped out financially..

Large construction projects.  2.

I am a realtor, investor and own a construction company located in College Station, Texas (home of Texas A&M.) 

Consider this: there are an estimated 10K homes in Pacific Palisades, at least half of which were destroyed. 25% were constructed during the 60-70's and +/- 75 TOTAL were built in the past FIVE years. 

I think that '25 will be a transition year ("end the dive in '25") for the reasons you stated--construction will fall off in Q2-3 but demand will remain...that sparks rent growth.Interest rates:  Yes, flat to up. 

there was a follow up post where someone got a loan from them but for realistic rates  8% or so and few points.. under 6% private / hard money simply does not exist unless its a family friends type situation. that bank rates or lower right now for new construction or fix flip  

Can you carry the property for the construction period?

Phoenix has been a hot market for rentals recently, but consider how long-term trends, interest rates, or construction projects might impact demand.Here’s a quick story: A friend of mine bought a new-build in a suburban development a few years back.