This criteria is for 1-4 and 5-8 unit programs.

I can do financial modeling with you and talk to other new build investors it's a slow growth plan. build directly at 25% below the market and also identify land too. increase unit counts and get better economies of scale. single family homes will never perform like a three story walk up apartment. we build a stacked triplex in Columbus Ohio with a picture below, if you are set on Dallas look at land prices and see if the economics help. 

If you’d like to own 10 SFHs that’s a way different trajectory than someone who wants to own 100 units of multi family and different from someone who wants STRs in different areas so they have a place to vacation occasionally.

The contractor we hired renovated several other units in the same building and did a beautiful job.

In Philadelphia the fundamentals are strong: leading industries/employers are in the Education and Medical fields which are known to be stable, proximity to NYC and DC, national airport, port city, affordability compared to mid-atlantic predecessors.

Now, we own 65 apartment units and 80,000 SF of commercial warehousing.Let me know if you have specific questions. 

Investment Info:Small multi-family (2-4 units) other investment.

RS Means, accubid, procore etc.Labor units are pretty much a constant, materials are constantly in flux.

Yes you can do HELOCS on investment properties as long as it's not a multi unit.

Here are some financing options to consider:HELOC or Cash-Out Refi on Another Property – If you or your mom have equity elsewhere, this could be a more flexible and lower-interest option.Business Line of Credit – Since the property is in an LLC, you might qualify for a business LOC, which could cover construction costs.Private Money Lender – If you’re okay with 12-15% rates, a private lender could fund this as a short-term loan, especially if the guesthouse will generate strong income.Construction Loan – Some lenders offer short-term construction financing, which converts to a longer-term mortgage once completed.Seller/Partner Financing – Bringing in an investor or structuring a joint venture with someone willing to fund the build in exchange for a share of the income.Credit Card Stacking or Unsecured Business Loans – Riskier but could work if you need to bridge a gap until the unit starts cash flowing.Would love to hear more details—especially your timeline and expected rental income.