We've found funding for the construction costs, but not for the actual lots themselves.

Add in HOA and utilities and misc costs you are probably at $3500 per month to operate, which is $42000 per year. 

You can do this for well under a fraction of what the cost is. 

Here's how they work: they advertise a low initial cost of $499 for a 30-yard dumpster, but in the fine print, it says you'll pay extra for any weight over 3000 pounds.As a first-time home renovator, I assumed the 3000 pounds would be more than enough and ended up paying a lot more than I expected.

-Administrative Burden: Managing substantial services may require more administrative work and potentially higher costs in terms of time and resources.Some investors do use creative strategies to maximize tax benefits, but this particular approach of converting long-term rentals into an active business reported on Schedule C while providing substantial services is less common.

Others differences that jump out: loan parameters are stiffer (usually 20 terms on a mortgage instead of 30 year), commercial insurance will be more expensive, appraisals will cost a good bit more.

Now in this scenario I may have maybe $10K to $20K for both a down payment (on an actual rental property which I will rent out) and repair/CapEx/Vacancy costs.

Hi @Ryan Nelson ,You If your house is listed for $100k and the agent wants you to pay their commission for bringing the buyer, counter their offer with either:Rise the price to offset the cost of commissionsYou agree to the agent's offer and you pay the commissionYou don't sell to themHow valuable is it to you to sell quickly for higher (gross) dollar compared to waiting for a different buyer willing to pay their realtor commission?

Mortgage 15/1 arm at $3.375% with max 4% interest increase due 15 years from July 2015 (Aug 1, 2030).Current condo monthly maintenance fee : $1036 includes water, amenities (pool, tennis court, concierge, gym, sauna, community room with pool and ping pong, maintenance)Current monthly mortgage payment: $499 interest, $504 principal Monthly taxes and insurance: $459 monthly contents insurance: $38Past Assessments: $11k for building HVAC upgrades $8k for building updates and building reservescurrent market value $400k - $425kcurrent  monthly rental median: $3100-$3200monthly landlord insurance: $45I'm also trying to decide if I should rent or sell and invest elsewhere.Appreciate all insights.

So I strongly recommend people know who and what they are dealing with - saving $5-$10 a month can cost you a lot more in the long run