Quote from @Jerome Morelos: Quote from @Robert Ellis: Quote from @Jerome Morelos: I recommend converting an existing space, like a detached garage for example, rather than building from the ground up.

I’m on the hunt for my next primary and would like it to be a project. 

Like 14 of them are here on BiggerPockets.

If they’re concerned about price, offer creative terms like seller financing or a higher price with favorable contingencies.

I will likely get approval based on my zoning.

Fellow Iowan as well.

Money now is very good because you are new and ready to do all the work, but the examples you'll hear about are people posting on BP saying, "well, I did all the work and they got a lot or most of the profit." 

What’s the landscape looking like nowadays?

Or even a contractor that does large additions and then move towards ground-up stuff.

That does not sound like a good market for new construction if nobody else is doing it there.