Builders?

It won’t be fun building unless you or someone you truly trust, not your builder is on site.  

it's hard to do that as an agent, easy to do as a spec or volume builder or developer if you have floorplans you like, etc. we build triplexes happy to chat and help you understand the market better here and see if new construction is for you 

Construction costs in NJ are high but we help owner builders design and contract out their build.

You are 100% on the right track. 2-1 buydowns are attractive options offered by sellers/builders to help improve monthly affordability but in all reality you aren't saving anything. 

If I were to take a poll of all of the investors who came before you and who  implemented similar entity formation structures I suspect at least 90% fail to utilize the correct insurance depending on the status of their project (vacant, builders risk, property etc.), fail to execute contracts with vendors, use uninsured and unlicensed vendors, fail to be added as additional insured (likely don't even know the difference between being a certificate holder and being added as additional insured).   

My husband is an old-school builder.

 But to be fair, besides people not being happy with those kinds of houses anymore, builders couldn't build them and make any money due to high costs of planning, permitting, sewer and water hook ups, electric hook ups, etc.Well, we do have this Tiny House fad right now, but can someone explain to me how these are any better than an old fashioned trailer?  

How does build to rent work and what builders are best for this?

Currently, I am a seasoned Contractor / Residential Builder working for clients.