Being a first-time builder is much more harrowing than being a first-time buyer, but with the right builder it could really work out for you.

@Christopher BenedictHow’d it work out for you

Even if you're not making much profit at the start because you're investing in a better area, it should work out fine.If you're losing $100-200 per month but have a stable job, you should be okay.Most people get rich with real estate through property value appreciation rather than cashflow.If you're comfortable living with roommates, you can purchase a house in a good area you like and rent out spare rooms.

I am thinking I will start by targeting Arnold/Imperial and work out from there if necessary, probably west toward Murphy/High Ridge/House Springs before moving south.

My main issue with the current way your sales team is handling onboarding to Wealthability is that such a large amount of funds are being asked up-front without any hope of a refund if things do not work out and are not up to par. 

I tried self managing my first year, it didn't work out great as I rushed and rented to the first person I found.

It will work out better for him in the end because rent rates are increasing faster than social security income.

If you are married with kids like I was when I first started, it might not work out.

A renovation also allows you to build a great team, something you'd want work out before starting on a new build.

You can definitely work out something with the seller that makes your offer contingent on the sale of your current apartment.