At same time there operations costs are also expanding due to wage inflation naturally fallowing the "everything inflation" so yeah....

Most building codes by nature will not approve a home that small, most have minimum square foot requirements.

Who’s Disqualifiedyouyour spouseyour parents and/or your adoptive parentsyour natural grandparentsyour natural children and/or your adopted childrenyour stepchildrenThe spouse of your natural childrenyour grandchildrenAny fiduciaryAny people providing services to your IRA

It sounds like most of your issues were insurance-related, which indicates this is a risky market based on natural disasters or something.

., it's always difficult to answer questions of such general nature.

The only management cost I have is my own time, which outside of natural disasters is 1-2 hours/week at best.

Others meet at events, RE meetups, or even through social media—whatever feels most natural.3️⃣ Vetting: Vetting is crucial.

I dont think first time buyers usually even know that after owing the home and living in it for 2 years any profit up to 250k for single and 500k for married is tax FREE. the absolute best tax treatment we have in the US. in Markets that dont move as much might not be the same benefit..

And, if Demorats are elected the favorable treatment will probably go away because they hate favoritism for capital gains.

And absolutely use an architect on any project that is large in nature. 1) Asking for references is the typical way of vetting a Contractor, but think about it...is a Contr. ever going to give you a bad reference?