@Adam M.The cost for a real estate tax accountant will vary based on location, experience, education and other factors, just like any other professional.

Since you're not rushing for a quick flip, you can focus on quality construction, tenant-friendly designs, and strong rental markets that yield solid cash flow and appreciation over time.A few things to consider: Location is key.

I don't know where in Michigan you are located, but I'm happy to give advice or share experiences.

I'm guessing it's the winter and the location.

It seems like location would be especially critical with pad-split (and similar systems), but I’d love to hear your thoughts on what to watch out for in terms of zoning, safety, or demand.Also, I’ve traditionally rented out units the regular way, so I’m curious how screening tenants works for you with the pad-split (and similar) model.

It would depend on your income, location and price of the home. 

It is still a seller's market in many geographic locations, so you can ask potential buyers for an extended closing period and/or with options to extend the closing period. 

@Tove Fox hope you find this copy & paste useful:)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

@Daniel GrantzRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

I think this question is dependent upon location.