Regarding the payout inefficiencies, I remember the nightmare that some folks were experiencing with state unemployment benefits during Covid.

You need to do a cost-benefit analysis to determine if it's worth it.  

You are (older/retired) and could benefit from house hacking and buying a duplex, or renting a room.

The Midwest is going to benefit, no doubt.

I’d love to hear your experiences, especially if there were unexpected benefits or challenges.Looking forward to your insights! 

They market as “lock in now at today’s prices and reap the benefits later”  but that is just not the reality.

How many years managing is equivalent to the benefit of the 20% down? 

Small (1700 sqft or less) medium (1701 -1999 sqft) and large (2000 sqft or more)Cost benefit analysis Estimates IF 300+ homes are built over 10 yearsAlot of technical information to say that:- When I start development, i will be going into uncharted territory. - New construction will be comped against other new construction - Start out with enough comps to justify the price point- keep the area tight to consolidate the risk vs building one or two in different parts of the same neighborhood. 

That self-sufficiency test is sometimes the killer on 3-4 units, but the conventional 5% down option has benefits too and that's how I got into my first multi-unit househack.  

Not the most scalable method, but I like the benefits it affords me while I am still a smaller operation.Completing 500 builds in just over 10 years is impressive for someone who just sorta fell into it.