Only you and your agent can make the decision.If you buy it,  count on finding unexpected problems that require fixing, and make sure you have the cash on hand to cover them. 

YouTube - free!

The forums are a free marketing channel. 

We applied for a traditional cash out/refinance on the investment property but were denied because she's only been employed at one job for 1 year and 2 months (they wanted 2 years).

He has acquired the land, gotten the permitting, has construction financing lined up but needs ~20% cash equity / home.I know very little about his particular real estate market, and I've never built anything myself. 

Appreciation is my primary focus but open to a cash flow market if the numbers make sense. .

I am VERY certain I have made some (or many) mistakes or left money on the table or overpaid etc... but all of these deals are cash flow positive after all costs + vacancy and maintenance. 

Most of these services give you the first couple of leases for free.

You could do a selective cash out refinance on one property to give you tax free living cash.If you do sell you'll want to do a 1031 exchange if you can so that you can avoid tax on all of your gain. 

Of course you can, just be aware of the potential consequences from a business perspective.Lots more to share but I'll spare you from reading a novel :) Feel free to reach out if you'd like to chat!