Don't get stuck in the analysis paralysis phase, it's no fun and you don't learn as much :) 

Also offer incentives for our maintenance team to bring project in on budget and on time.

I focus solely on Detroit proper because, in my experience, the rent-to-price ratios, opportunities for value-add projects, and overall market potential are much stronger there.That said, Detroit is a nuanced market.

They’ve already made a name for themselves in Mexico with projects that blend eco-friendly practices and thoughtful design, and now they’re bringing that expertise to one of the most popular markets in the U.S.For investors, this could be an exciting opportunity to work with a developer who consistently delivers quality and strong returns.Check it out:  Travel weekly by Northstar

In my analysis the cost for an ADU in kern county would run about $85K and I have saved about 75% of that right now.  

I don't think rent to retirement can vet a deal any better than anyone else or you, they just have a bit of a system. but the new builds in Lehigh acres, Cape Coral, north port, etc are all garbage. septic systems, poor economics, low rent to purchase price ratios, you are banking on appreciation and buying at market. building direct is going to give you a competitive advantage on a 3 unit let's say worth 600,000 you are going to be 120k ahead than if you bought it through them. that's my analysis. if you are super lazy and too busy to make money and have millions to throw around then I'd recommend not thinking much about investing. but you can also invest in funds and be way omre passive than buying a new build from far away. but if you want to add real value then get involved and make it happen. getting wealthy isn't easy. you work hard for your money and there are build to rent developers like us that try to answer and add value to start buiding relationshipsl

Further, deals that are “great deals” aren’t advertised as such; they are identified through analysis using information not readily known and negotiated on a one to one basis.  

Prioritize renovations that add value and create a timeline for the project.

Far too many get stuck in the "paralysis by analysis" stage, thinking they just don't know enough to get started.

I have rental data, analytics, and entire market analysis in Reno, NV.