.- Technology & Automation: Utilizing project management software, such as Buildertrend or Monday.com, enables real-time tracking of budgets, schedules, and contractor communications.

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

I have friends up there! 

You will learn a lot, but you just may walk away with new friends, new partners, and maybe even someone who can call a mentor.

If anything, have a small sign in front of the house that says who the builder is and phone number (that's common for contractors to do, and also so that neighbors feel they have some to call if there is dust blowing from the site or whatever), and then you may have people calling you asking about availability (people always want something more that they had to chase and can tell their friends the story of how they got the house). 

In PA you can build an entire 2000sqft home for that budget, and PA is not cheap. 

If you are looking to pull more cash out I'd go with the second option.

Tax accountants, investor friendly agents, 1031 exhange experts etc.

Syracuse is definitely experiencing a lot of hype at the moment because of Micron, and we're seeing lots of renovated options on the market in areas that likely won't benefit from the new campus.

Don't forget to budget for contingency!