There are some things you will want to think about before purchasing in the area - insurance, fire mitigation, etc.  

I don't think I'll be ready for a couple months yet to buy, but I'm looking for some concrete answers so I know what benchmarks I need to hit in order to move forward in a purchase.

Multiple exits and conservative underwriting are critical now.The market is correcting. 

I think you found yourself in the right place - soak up as much knowledge as you can but don't forget to take action!

Given that many people have said the average price to build in California is $200 and above per square foot, I became worried.Do you think building a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home measuring 550 sqft is feasible at this cost?

I dont think i can change the picture location because it is the Property Management website but I will ask. 

I don't think a "VA" construction loan exists.  

Unless you are local to the market, I would consider elsewhere.I think Charlotte long term is a great market, financial hub, good airport, population growth.I think if you commit to any of these markets, you will have successGino 

I used to think "No, we can't do that" meant "No, it cannot be done."

We have 150 lenders and pretty much any program you can think of.