Build cost 2 million ($240 per square foot for a 5400 square-foot duplex) (Sale price $650 per square foot valuating the duplex at 3.5 million) Upon stabilization, the properties market value is projected to be between 4.5 and 5 million.

Even more after you consider the hard money costs. 2) the hard money route is going to cost you at least a few % of the loan value so it’s basically the same as just raising your offer a few percent even higher than “overbidding by an insane amount”.3) the seller’s might be taking cash offers because they know they won’t appraise for the sale price.

Building the right way the first time lowers future repair and capex costs. 

DPA's can cover the down payment and closing costs the tough part is getting a seller to accept the offer over a buyer who is either paying "All cash" or one with a larger down payment.

You have to know what a Lot in that area is selling for and add on the cost of NEW Construction in that square footage to really know anything.

The Program utilizes forgivable loans called "Deferred Payment Loans," which require no monthly payments to subsidize the required costs of rehabilitation.

Make them based on what your tenants need (not want) which would also allow for them to customize (furniture use) to their tastes.I wrote a book on this a number of years ago that touches on a lot of these things, but it was focused on my specialty, "Energy Efficient, cost effective homes". 

With $50,000, I could cover the down payment and some renovation costs.2.

It doesn't cost anything to attend RE meeting, introduce yourself and get contact of people who invest in properties.

I love that you rented two of your bedrooms as mid term and short term rentals and made enough to pay for the mortgage and now you are going to use the rental income to show you can qualify for another property.This is an excellent strategy and one more people should consider doing in this inflationary environment to offset the biggest cost in their budget--housing.As you rightly point out, you can use this strategy with every house you buy accumulating a portfolio of houses that you originally started out living in as a primary residence every two years.Well done and more people should consider doing the same, or rent their garage, or shed, or a boat, or an extra car.Love it!