Unless you want to pay all cash, use leverage and a 20% down payment has you in the $250-300k ballpark.

@Khaled Helmi, the best advice I can give (although you may not like it- I know I didn't) is to get (or find one for bidding and vetting purposes) a set of plans you're happy with and a list of specs and bid it out to different builders/subcontractors.  

On the last one, there may be recourse if there was clear misrepresentation in writing, but that's a matter for attorneys.In reality, your only recourse may be a slam on turnkey-reviews.com and a learning experience.Definitely replace management with a trusted local.Good luck.

I figure doing both will give me options in 15 & 17 years when the kids head to college, depending on the state of the real estate market, stock market, interest rates. tax rates and a host of other considerations. 

You can learn a lot that way, and a path will open up for you to find your niche in your real estate market.

I have two jobs and a real estate license and I'm a single Mom.

Here are the details: - 4 bedroom, 2 bath about 1700 sqft, built in 1883- Neighborhood: C I think, close-in 45503 if your familiar with the area- Duplex upper unit and a lower unit, each 2br 1ba - Current rent 300 upper and 400 lower (which is up from 200 and 250 in 2014), neighboring duplex gets 600 for a 3 bedroom but it's nicer- Expenses (prop management, lawn, bills, taxes... ) in 2016 so far $2200 and in 2015 $3200- Profit from 2015 was about $500 (had the upper vacant for most of the year), profit this year should be about $1,600- Appraiser $50,000 Zillow $58,000 Trulia $37,000 Estate $16,000- Bought in the 80's for $15,000Thoughts?

Also, if you buy low and have the property rented with cashflow and a good ROI why worry about selling?

This contract is brought to the new buyers closing company and a back to back closing is conducted.

If the agent calls me (they are usually slow to follow up) I will make a reasonable offer subject to inspection and a study period.Everything is negotiable - CONTROL IS KING - learn how to control real estate - it is a short cut to cash flow -  it is the best way I know of assigning properties.Who controls real estate - An agent with a listing agreement (treat them well - they are in control for a period of time)An accepted option agreementA buyer with an accepted contract of sale with contingencieshttp://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/M...Charles