Just would like to start building relationships with people In the Phoenix area as well. 

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of the screen and look for local investors or meetups in your area.

New builds-broke even in the '08 market on two spec homes, built my own home from the ground up twelve years ago(400k in equity). 

If you're an agent or investor, how do you build trust and partnerships in global markets? 

Demo'd it and build a new 6,200 sq ft single fam. home (modular construction).

You definitely can't just buy a building low down, do no work to it and keep old rents and expect to profit. 

Where you fall in that range will be dictated by bedroom count per unit and the quality of the area/building itself.

I would like to pull out equity from the homes to build either a house on each or an ADU (they are zoned multi-family) depending what makes the most sense on returns and what is feasible.

Quote from @Brian Dela Cruz: Data entry clerks - likely to miss deductions, overlook credits, miss carryforwards, make mistakes on tax law limitationsCPA - get it right, reduces errors, and helps you in building your wealth through tax savingsWhat are your thoughts?

While you're focusing on building your capital, I recommend to start connecting with other investors in your target areas.