Not knowing exactly what sort of amenities and vibe you want, here are a few family friendly options that come to mind:There are many new planned communities that have popped up in places near Raleigh like Apex, Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs which offer good value but lots can be quite small, you may have to endure construction noise, trucks, etc. and residents are from all over so that community feel may not have yet materialized.

However rentals are in high high demand. 2) there is no sewer out that far so a septic system would have to be installed and I'm not to sure how well a septic will hold up on a duplex. 3) building materials, is it a bad time to build with the increase in materials or do you hear or see it started to drop.

Hi BP'rs,I'm new to the REI world and after reading / listening to tone of materials I think I'm ready to do my first practical steps.For that matter, I think having a mentor would serve me best going on my first couple of deals.My criteria for mentor selection are:- Experience with "basic" real estate (flips / SFH) as well as advanced investing (MFH / BRRRR)- Out of state investment experience- Can provide reference of previous mentees (first option: foreigners, second option: out of state)- On-demand availability (within reasonable hours) to support decision as deals progress.Is this realistic?

Most of his quote was for materials.

If you’re not landlord material, hire a competent property manager and enjoy retirement for the rest of your life!

Check out: https://www.illinoisrealtors.org/education/real-estate-license-illinois/I found the material pretty straight forward. 

They will email you copies of material bills.Bob

Too many new investors focus on the money and the area...focus on your network and the rest will materialize.

Where did you get your materials and what technique did you use? 

Your total repair costs with materials and labor will have to be under $35K.But you will have to live there for a good period of time.