However, it depends on the interest rate.

We will likely go part-time with work, and depend on the passive income, after the 5 year 'Investment and accumulation' phase. - With all the provided background, where do I start?

@Trace Martin - Dallas is a huge area and neighborhoods vary depending on what kind of lifestyle you want and your budget.

then you really don't have a problem...except that you are forced to switch horses in mid-stream which I know is not desirable....A new GC will not always charge so much more to take over a job mid-stream, it just depends on a lot of things (like the original GCs reputation).I would get a release (of sorts) stating that the original GC will warranty the work that he has completed and that the new GC is not liable for any work not performed by his company.

Your terms would depend on the person, obviously.

High to mid 6s depending how much down. 

Curtains are okay, but they tend to offer less protection depending on the tub design.

Hi Marc, it can depend upon lot of factors like exact location, basement, garage, outdoor space, finishes etc.In general, right now, I see house going in range of 350k-400K.

Adding value will slow and heavy on sweat, dependent on cycling through several seasons of seeding, planting, growing.

Their guidelines vary by state.