For my family investing OOS is a big long term goal (most likely south with mountains), but it's never been the main plan. 

Our main carrier policy converts to vacant dwelling policy at completion for duration of term and can be renewed on case by case basis if unfinished or unsold.  

The 5-10 it gets heavier and a lot busier, and 10-15-20 it really is untenable to self-manage especially if this is not you main business like a person buying their own rentals and building it like a small business. 

@Chase Calhoun mainly we work with local builders but we have also purchased from the regional builders as well.

Duplexes have less risk:  Mainly because you have less tenant risk (but we will address that on the next paragraph).

I focus mainly on buying deals and working with partners for said deals. 

I mainly invested with them because Brandon Turner was running it. 

And a lot of old school GCs may not have the ability to take a CC and may not care to learn how to...Main question is: why do you want to do this?

The structure is mainly appreciation-based, which minimizes tenant and maintenance risk. 

Curb appeal for higher-end properties will be much more important, especially when it comes to marketing - most ads and main listing photos feature the front of the property.In this case, I would consult with a professional - i.e. landscape designer or stager.