After much thought, I decided to become a GC and mange all aspects of my investment rehabs myself. 

I believe it's a great and thriving community with unique aspects that make it stand out from other markets in Texas. 

If I didn't mind being a little negative on cash flow then I would buy in Gilbert.

If you're willing and able, I do recommend the "house hacking" strategy which is just a fancy name for buying a rental property and living in one of the units, because you'll get very favorable financing - an owner-occupied fixed-rate 30-year mortgage.I'd also say, analyze that property as if you won't live there and it's a pure rental, and make sure the property is still cash flow positive if there's a tenant in your unit because then you'll know if it's actually a good investment.And when you analyze it, include payment of a property manager in your #s because if you don't, and doing so would make it go cash flow negative, then you've just bought yourself a job because you literally can't step away from managing it without losing money.

- A 0% down, seller financed deal, typically equates to little to negative cashflow!

I'm a contractor based in Maryland and DC, so the renovation aspect is well within my expertise, having done numerous projects for other developers and general contractors.However, I'm facing a challenge when it comes to choosing the interior design elements, such as bathroom tiles, colors, sizes, fixtures, etc.

I do have monthly mortgages to be paid and not having rental income to offset my negative cash flow has been a learning experience and really trying to think of what options I have to have better success at this.

Instead of inspiring confidence, they overwhelm the seller with negativity.

My bridge rate is 10% and results in a $1,500/month PITI payment.The negative cash flow stings but is worth it for the equity.

Negative CF, which is what you are describing, means you are buying your property, and making no money in the process.