Go with all wood if you can on dining tables and chairs etc.

The smart play would be to build a two story wood frame structure on top of piers or concrete block in most cases. 35 feet is a pretty typical height limit in most neighborhoods, so depending on elevation you SHOULD be able to build two stories on top of the elevated foundation.

Any thoughts and comments welcome as I am very new and open to learning from seasoned investors.

We did a 100% gut/rehab on a 1950's house in 2018 and converted it to a duplex, turned out beautiful, salvaged the original wood floors in parts of the house, put good LVP in the rest, simple plastic mini blinds on every window.

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

You'd be surprised how often a deal can happen using this strategy but it is also important to run the numbers and make sure your COC return, etc are in line with your expectations.Probably the lowest risk is partnering because a seasoned investor will verify the deal (hence their participation) and likely take care of the initial money required.

He knows how to do almost everything, but due to his pace I use him for mainly handyman work(toilets, fixtures, tuckpoint, wood work, switches/covers, etc) He has done minor HVAC and electrical for me as well, but..

I do think the seasonal factor is huge.

I help my cleaner in the busy season (although I still can't fold a fitted sheet properly!).  

Markets generally slow during the fall/winter season.