Me and a partner have begun creating a rolodex of capital that we believe can be raised, but we are hesitant to even try without a being more comfortable in the space.

I live in NC, I'm 41, my wife is a high W2 earner, and we don't plan on touching this money for 12-15 years. 

My first 2 years with them I lived in Seattle while they managed the properties here in Orlando.

Maybe I got over excited, since this was my first owner finance deal, but I was really taken by them- I wanted them to live and buy our home.

Most of us that lived in NYC invest out of state because the price points are significantly different elsewhere.  

I've drawn the new build for an owner-occupant to have a single family home but with the option of having a "tenant"/roommate or family member (perhaps in-laws, or elderly parent/grandparent, or a brother/sister, who wants private, separate living space, etc.) living in their own space with their own separate utilities.

Give them a return that they are comfortable with and terms that you both agree on, and then go from there. 

wouldn't be able to get this mortgage unless they lived in SoCal and worked remote.

It made me feel comfortable right away. 

Currently we live in the apartment and we are renting out whole house.