You'll have access to owner occupied loan products, therefore saving on your down payment, typically 3-5% compared to 20-25% for non owner occupied properties.

@Jon LatorreWhat kind of annual rental yields do you get in a non-Covid world?

You want to charge your end buyer a non refundable earnest money deposit to be sent no later than 3 days after you assign.

For 6 years we had uninterrupted return on the 14% annual area.  

I’m also open to exploring short-term rentals, private lending, or passive investing in funds—anything that maximizes returns while keeping risk and time commitments manageable.For context, I’d consider leaving my job if this could become a full-time venture that surpasses my current compensation (low-mid six figures).

 $250,000 capital gain per spouse is not taxable.  

You'll want to put together a personal financial statement (basically lists of all your assets and liabilities) and have your tax returns ready.

Most CFO clients that I work with that are new construction/home builders usually target a 20%-25% gross margin as they usually have to deliver high teen returns to their investors.Great question. 

What are your non-negotiable factors vs nice to haves?

@Shayan SameerThe non-paying tenant could impact your short-term cash flow, so consider the potential costs and timeline of eviction in your state.