In the manufactured home industry, I've heard more complaints about new homes being bought and installed straight from the factory than consumers buying older homes direct from homeowners. 

I have a few lenders who do but they still require some money from the borrower so they have skin in the game.  

So you really need a downpayment + 15k to be in the game.

I currently work as a Pipefitter (think plumbing but on industrial steroids).

I recognize there are other ways I could invest this cash (including another property) but I am being mindful of levering myself out too much in the current environment where job losses are more common in my industry (tech).

Investing in Peoria sounds intriguing, especially since you’re drawn to the area and its industrial charm.

Quote from @Jonathan Greene: Quote from @Jamie Parker: Quote from @Jonathan Greene: Those are video game calculations.

I am new to real estate investing and eager to learn more about the industry.

Operating in an industry where "we track time," I can offer a few hopefully helpful tips:1.

Then you hire a coach to accelerate your learning and take you to the next level.Using a sports analogy, it would be foolish to hire a basketball coach if your intent is to play pickup games every Saturday for fun.