build in a less favorable location, farm land close to a highway for easy access.

While I've had the opportunity to do a ground up build several times, it doesn't make sense as there isn't the demand to balance the risk-reward ratio in our favor.

If I need to buy a 3 bedroom 2.5 bathroom, etc etc.. then I suppose that makes sense if I expect the numbers to sway in my favor profit wise? 

If you're buying a LTR with a signed lease you can use 75% of that rent number in favor of your DTI.

I didn't realize this was non-owner occupant property.I'm not sure of how to work out the logistics, but if the person gifting you the funds decided they wanted to be paid back, you could both sign a note for longer term payback, say 5 years with a very favorable interest rate.

I've done some preliminary research and Illinois seems to be extremely favorable towards contractors.

I've done some preliminary research and Illinois seems to be extremely favorable towards contractors.

I've done somepreliminary research and Illinois seems to be extremely favorable towardscontractors.

Might be viewed a little more favorably, but yes, you'll still want to have your take out lined up. 

If you were flipping it, I think this could be worth doing, since now people tend to want to buy with larger kitchens, more open floor plans and would be more likely to forgo a dining room in favor of a dining space to get it.