Indy has a growing population, a strong economy, and growth potential. 

Would like to grow to $10k passive income a month but do not want to over extend.

Any amounts would be taxable distributions and likely subject to penalty.You can use your IRA for investing but the funds have to remain retirement funds and the normal strategies of growing the investments are limited a bit as explained above.You haven't asked this yet but I feel you may - you can't borrow from your IRA and generally, you can't invest with your IRA for the purchase of an investment property.

With growing population, taking a single family lot and putting it to its highest and best use, based on zoning, is giving more individuals the opportunity to move into the area.That being said, there are still plenty of ares that the middle class can purchase.  

My long term real estate goals are basically two fold; to grow into full-time construction and use those resources to obtain long term cash flow for retirement. 

You want a growing neighborhood. 

As your business grows it leaves behind it a trail of highly profitable properties.

It sounds far and high enough from the ocean, but you never really know what kind of storm mother nature can cook up!

I would agree with @Casey Mericle that finding “deals” through a realtor is going to be tough because of their natural tendency to want to sell at retail.  

I've been growing my education in RE for about a year, and my wife and I have been actively looking for our first deal for about 6 months now.While we wait for that first deal, however, I want to make sure I'm also continuing to invest in gaining practical experience that will help that first one be a success!