When I am bothered by something, I'm usually on a personal crusade of justice which takes its toll on me mentally, and typically those around me.

Can you explain this mentality?

That is why you need to prioritize your main goal.

The cost/sf number is just a ballpark number contractors use to mentally prepare customers for the real cost of new construction in this day and age.

I've been listening to a lot of the past podcasts on BP so I know before total costs, I should prioritize matching employer contribution on 401k and max out my Roth for that calendar year, but are people also allocating some of the funds to stocks (index funds) during this process (if so how much/what percentage) or strictly saving for DP.

It scares me this mentality that you are foolish if you don't borrow every cent you can and buy real estate.

But as everyone knows so well, sometimes it is a mental game, and I really needed the human connection. 

I will visit the area I'm looking to invest in, but how would you make the most of the time there (what would you prioritize/set up beforehand)Thanks again for helping all of us, appreciate it!

So maybe open your mind a little bit, get out of Kennesaw, and accept that mental health doesn't always fit into a neat little box or textbook page.

You may pay a bit more but mentally consider that the virtual cost of insurance :)