There’s typically a good mix of attendees - usually one or more attorneys, a number of agents, many experienced investors, landlords, flippers, rehabbers, contractors, lenders, etc.

How long does it typically take you to fill a vacant property?  

When building new, it is possible to design and build houses, and larger buildings, with a modest increase in up-front capital (10 - 15%) costs in comparison to the "normal/typical" minimum code build, which have resulting energy consumption 70%+ lower.  

I refinanced out and got a 15 year instead of a 30 year with essentially the same mortgage payment.

@Jacob M.Like @Cameron Tope said, knowing what your criteria are is essential for determining if something is a deal for you.COC is a rather shallow metric, especially when comparing with other investment types as it doesn't take into account the advantages of leveraging, on paper losses and other tax advantages that you get with RE.

Typically, this is an obvious no-go, but since I'd be living in the SFH, I'm looking at it as if that is my mortgage/rent payment until I can refinance.  

Flipping provides a short term gain, which typically people use to get started in rentals or some other form of passive income.

So here is my case for So Cal:- Advantages of local including expertise, cost to get to property, able to self-manage if desired (typically ~10%).

Another downside is some students are entitled and/or not as independent as the typical renter - thus you must account for them contacting you more often if you decide to self-manage.  

The insurance will vary based on whether you need a Builders Risk policy and vacancy coverage (which you typically need).