lolol  I've kept my old R22 units going, yes having to recharge them every other year, but no problem (buy my own can of R22, and do a simple charge up (with a can of Sealit "stuff" now)) but, that's MUCH cheaper than a whole new system, which I do know has to come in the future. 

Probably like any market, look where the new construction is happening.Look at what people are buying and what they are willing to pay.See if you can do it better, faster, cheaper and still make money.Then calculate the max you can pay for lots.Then go find lots to build on.I'd probably draw a big circle around DFW and buy on that circle or just outside of it. 

Ideally, you could also be an investor and buy something in a cheaper market and have it managed by a PM. 

This particular area in our market doesn't have cheaper 3 bedroom 2 bathroom homes so there's a nice sweet spot in the market.

All our prices were UNDER what the insurance company paid, and they still weren't low enough.So, owner went and hired someone to do the work cheaper than us. 3 months later they called us to take over and the job was a mess.

The prices in AB will increase but will almost always be cheaper than Vancouver and Toronto. 

Keep in mind usually smaller less experienced organizations will give you a cheaper option.

Is a concrete retention wall better, cheaper than a wooden one?

Some of these cheaper vacant land properties get bid up 700-800% over the lien amount because there was a decent chance you could get the property . 

The trenchless repair seems like a great solution and it’s cheaper, however, I don’t know the pros/cons of both.