Equity is your frozen cash that you access as it grows to build your portfolio 

I would second out near Heber since they’re building the new world class ski resort out there soon.

i found in my build projects that started just before and continued through the pandemic prices rose. everything but lumber became sticky IE they rose but did not fall..

Your lawyer should have told you what the building was zoned/rated for.

Living in the properties while fixing them up is a great way to build equity and keep costs low.

For the residential side, check nearby apartment rents and recent sales of similar mixed-use buildings to get a sense of value.

Low maintenance building, top-end rents for the area due to the extensive work that was done and the location.

Now I'm in learning mode as I'd like to build my own mini real estate empire and want to be better informed for my next deal. 

Some of the new build SFHs are very affordable with in-house lender rates.

@Jason Weidmannit's only solid if:1) you pick a market that you can go to in person and build a team first, and 2) you recognize that RE is a long-term investment, and you may have to wait 5-10 years, or longer, before seeing ANY return.