The question is, In our current market, most of the analyst and market research companies I've come across are forecasting a "dip" or "crash", in the housing market sometime next year in the springtime.

Anyone have good contacts I can connect with to discuss potential project designs and corollary estimate PSF construction costs in the current market? 

It's also important to estimate repairs correctly.

@Michael CavitoloUse the FHA loan to buy the best 3-4 Plex you can and live in it.An example I recently saw someone do.Price280kConcessions2% of closing costsVarious small repairs $700Roof repairs $1650Cash to close $4500Renovation costs estimate $9000 (if you do the labor yourself) ($23000 if you pay a contractor)Setup4 1 bed 1 bath units Current rents $500 ea unitMarket 750-950 depending on renovation levelInterest rate 2.325%!!!!

I'm still analyzing markets in my area but what is a good estimate of how much capital I should have before I go all in for my search for a multifamily.

I am estimating around $50,000 in work. 

We’d like to get a 3bd place (I work from home and there’s a chance we’ll have a second kid).Savings Rate –If we limit our housing expenses to $5k/month, I’m estimating that we’d be able to save approximately $80k (inclusive of retirement, college savings, and taxable) a year plus 100% of any bonus.As I said curious about anyone that has been in a similar position or more generally any thoughts on what you'd do in our position.

Which area will you be building and what estimate cost per sqft ?

We are purchasing a SFH as a STR requiring work and need budget estimates and someone reliable to do the work as we are out of state investors. 

My initial thought is the best case scenario would be to cash out refinance my current home (i'm estimating $30,000 in equity) and buy another house to do a live in flip so I can rent my current house and use the cash to put towards another house.