House hack of a duplex.Advantages: High LTV requires minimal cash. 

My wife (and I), would want to minimize living in a construction zone with small children as much as possible.

@Spencer William Quesenberry  With little cash reserves to get started you need to be looking at creative strategies that allow you to wheel and deal with little risk and minimal out-of-pocket cash. 

I wouldn't waste money paying someone else to do this, especially if you are just starting out.

Research the competition in your area, make sure you can provide services that will keep your house booked & able to run with minimal time/effort from you and if you can offer a product that guests would want...

The minute someone questions my age let alone my credentials and skill level they are usually a waste of time.Move on and work with people or opportunities that understand and recognizes the value you bring to the table.

Are modular homes a waste of time or with some sweat equity can I gain in them?

Some money will be wasted and that is just the way it goes.

This way, my tenant is paying for it in small pieces, spread over 30 years, which I never hit, so the cost to me is only the loss of CF (minimal) while I'm still the owner.2 - HVAC - Covered by my local utility company through an "appliance repair" program. 

In a good school district, property was flat & well drained so minimal site prep, (a huge positive), but it did need 12 large trees taken down.We sold it word of mouth for a quick $45k net profit.