- ideally I would like to do two bed two bath or maybe even one. not opposed to 3 bed two bath.I would like to build new.

This is actually a great way to start, but there are some implications of in fact this is your intent, as opposed to your intent being for this to remain your personal residence but your circumstances changing.  

@Kim Durst Actually, as long as the cash out of pocket as opposed to it being baked in the price is not a problem….I would Much prefer to take the price reduction and fix it myself.

If you were put in a cash offer with the intention of using say a hard money lender then you will be exposed if the lender rejects the deal but usually there or no finance contingencies in an all-cash offer as opposed to an offer that state that you will be getting finance.

How do I account for the expenses that are general in nature, as opposed to for one particular property?

As opposed to filing an assignment each time we tapped our credit lines. 

Historically the NAR has been opposed to the negotiation of RE commissions or flat fee services. 

You mentioned you did analysis in the markets out of state and picked Kansas City as opposed to Dallas, Atlanta, Charlotte etc...

As opposed to what most people do, that often gets ignored: "Hi listing broker I wanted more information on 123 Main St, can you send it please?" 

As opposed to paying for banner adds etc..