I was just at a capital raising event in New York City pitching miami and columbus. by far there is more interest in miami for development, land entitlement, etc. you also aren't local so I'd discount what you say by like 80%. even if you are looking at "condo" investments, that's about the poorest way to invest in real estate so I'd say just you looking at that says something about your experience level. 

Unless you said something to her about NOT renting to her because she's single, what is she basing the claim on? 

Anyone lending on a build is going to run a title search on the land and see the lien. 

I am considering buying 1 acre of land in Austerlitz, NY Columbia County, on the MA border near the Berkshires.

Get with a Chicago-based real estate attorney that understands the RTLO and see if you fall under any of the exclusions.

And I'm concentrating on Lake County as I'm familiar with the area some and have ties to the Navy base which may provide a competitive edge.

If you don't own the house yet, you really need to pay the guy otherwise it's a waste of his time.Sometimes roofers and pools companies will give an estimate based on google maps. 

@Jordan McDonald I'm based in Dallas Fort Worth.

The issue I run into, based on what I can put down, is that I would most likely have to split the mortgage down the middle (I pay half/Tenant pays half) based on current rental rates and current mortgage rates (considering what I can put down).

I want 12-14% COC but don't know if that is lala land.