I have been leaning toward acquiring existing assets as new-build in my area is about as expensive as existing assets AND it takes years to spin up until cash begins to flow.   

If you buy in a good market, appreciation will beat cash flow every time. 

Do you use your own cash or do you have a lender or investor funding your deals?

The right market for you depends on whether you prioritize cash flow (Augusta, Columbia) or long-term appreciation (Greenville, Huntsville).

I used to work in finance and we could get clients approved for a HELOC in less than 24 hours which will be much quicker than the cash out finance.

Build up your cash as you build your knowledge and network5.

Purchase price: $375,000 Cash invested: $30,000 This was a 2 unit that I purchased in 2016 for $375K.

The law does NOT apply to landlords:With less then 5 rental unitsThat live in one unit of a duplex and rent out the other unitThat rent out rooms in the home they occupySo, landlords can no longer state in their rental ads, "Section 8 not accepted".The reverse is also true, "Section 8 only", cannot be used.We've always recommended screening S8 tenants the same way as cash-paying tenants.Landlords waiving application fees and/or security deposits only for S8 prospects may also be violating Fair Housing.

Purchase price: $220,000 Cash invested: $30,000Currently house hacking.

Given these numbers and his research, he believes it may either cash flow slightly or at least break even, which has made it a bit more difficult to find an end buyer.