The fact that I didn't really reside in the properties I invested in taught me my lesson quickly.It's inevitable; we all make errors.

So, on those sites you do need to be careful, and I found the numbers to be all over the place. 

Investment Info:Single-family residence fix & flip investment in Winston Salem.

New construction offers a unique blend of potential high returns and control over the investment, making it an attractive option for those looking to diversify their portfolios.The Advantages of New Construction InvestmentCustomization and Control: New construction projects offer investors the chance to tailor properties to meet current market demands, ensuring higher occupancy rates and returns.Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Modern constructions come with the latest in energy-saving technologies and sustainable materials, appealing to a growing eco-conscious tenant base.Lower Maintenance Costs: With everything brand new, the initial years following a new construction project see significantly lower maintenance costs compared to older properties.Tax Incentives: Many regions offer tax benefits for new construction projects, especially those that meet certain environmental or economic development criteria.How to Approach New Construction InvestmentEmulating Buffett's investment strategy involves careful market research, understanding local real estate dynamics, and potentially partnering with experienced developers.

What the regulators care about is intent. 

Care to discuss further?

I make the house not my primary residence, will I still be able to get a cash-out refinance, or get a HELOC on the property in the future?

I have a primary residence in NJ that has equity, I have liquid cash around $50k, and my credit score is 740.

Although some may disagree, I believe it only means seller is not agreeing in advance to any repair - though you should be careful because people interpret it different ways.

Fannie/ freddie have different guides on this, and i do see different lenders interpret them differently. for example, one requires you to OWN your primary residence in order to use rental income on the subject MF, the other will let you do rental income from your MF subject property with a "present housing expense" (rental housing expense being ok) so long as you have a 1 year + history of landlording (which it sounds like you do). maybe ask your mortgage pro if they are giving you credit for rental income from the subject property units?