Even if you want to roll the dice, at least is a calculated risk, not a surprise down the road. 

A new build needs to perform better than that to make it worth your time, all the risks and capital concentration.thanks for the advice everyone and would be happy to connect with you: @Bryant Brislin @Dave Wells @Leilah Davis @Joshua Stewart I have been building 15 to 20 spec houses a year now for 7 or 8 years..Just curious, generally from start to finish, from closing on buying the land to collecting a check after building the house and after escrow, how long is the process taking you? 

I’m in the North Texas area, but if you’re looking to network and share experiences, feel free to reach out!

I am also listening to the Bigger Pockets podcasts daily during every free period I have throughout my day while trying to learn as much as possible.

Cross-Collateralization – A lender may finance the full $160,000 purchase by using your existing properties as additional security, lowering their risk and possibly reducing your down payment. 5.

Or sell using the 1031 exchange along with a partial 121 primary residence exemption There is a way you could take advantage of the 121 primary residence exclusion allowing you to take the first $250k of the gain tax free ($500k if married) and qualify for a 1031 exchange.Say you purchase a property as your primary residence (house hack extra rooms for extra income) and lived there for two years while stationed there.

With your first investment, you want to try and minimize risk as much as possible.

Many carriers won't take new business on a risk that has a water claim within 2-3 years.

To the OP, if you can house hack in your local area, that would reduce the risk of investing in a far away market. 

Good luck, and feel free to reach out if you ever want to brainstorm strategies!