Purchase price: $179,000 Cash invested: $25,000 Sale price: $500,000 Replaced windows, remodeled kitchen and bathroom, replaced siding What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

Keep in mind that a rule of thumb is simply a rule of thumb. 

Do you develop relationships first or do you put in the work on bring the deal first?

I have 2 black belts, one in failure and one in success!

However, you cannot use IRA funds directly in the transaction you are describing. 

Market in a MinuteEast Tennessee home sales decreased 7.8% from the previous month, and decreased 1.0% from a year ago.The median sale price was $371,250 — up 9.19% from the previous year.Total housing inventory increased from the previous year – up 38.3% from a year ago.Half of the homes sold were under contract in 20 days or less, up from 11 days a year ago.40.55% of homes sold for the asking price or above, with 18.77% selling for more than the asking price. 8.04% sold for at least $10,000 over asking and 2.88% sold for at least $25,000 over asking price.The sale-to-list price ratio decreased from last month to 97.5% – down from 97.9% a year ago.New construction represented 12.36% of total home salesData Deep Dive: How's the market?

In working on construction loan financing, the lender informed me I'll need to unencumber that portion of the property (makes sense) before closing on the construction loan.I understand there to be two methods generally speaking: refinancing my mortgage and removing that portion of the property in the process OR attaining a partial release from the lender to remove that land.I *strongly* want to avoid refinancing as I have an amazing rate, but partial releases seem complex and also require a survey.

Spend time reading through posts in the forum.Get and read Avery Carl's book.

I really think we need to have a broader conversation about barriers to new construction in real estate! 

Well, this is harder than it sounds especially when you're a beginner because you know no one and have no track record.