House hacking is a great way to get started.

Ultimately you will have to sell your house at a discount. 

Under Alabama law, that is a VERY dangerous play and you could end by losing money.You also cannot sit back and let him build the house and say "Thanks."

Which I know from being in other business that that does not look good to clients if I have to cancel showing or if I don’t show for showing and pay someone else to show my house I think you can pull it off as long as you set expectations properly with clients upfront and especially if you’re working with people you already know, like other fire fighters for example will be fine with your unpredictable schedule.

Is there no one else of your religion in the area looking for housing?

If you are going to buy $75,000 houses in Memphis, you need to go visit them in person.I don't know anything about these companies, but when it sounds way too good to be true, it normally is.   

How the house photographs gets more eyes on it.

Improving grading or having downspouts drain into pipes that move the water away from the house often solve the majority of issues. 

@Rodney Womackstart with a house hack.

There's alot of neglected housing out there, gentrification.