Is it as simple as: "most houses in the area sell/appraise for X, figure out how to build a house for X-20%" and there's your 20% immediate equity in a new build? 

If looking for stability, I would look at buildings built in the 1980s or newer, ideally townhome style instead of apartment style if a 4-plex, minimum 2 bedroom units.LEARNING RESOURCESI am going to try to keep up my blog here on Bigger Pockets specifically with 2-4 family units in mind.

I currently have an apartment building under contract that's in Canton,PA and I have been looking for lenders.

It's important when you are getting started to build out your team so that you are prepared when something comes your way. 

I also did a quick underwriting on what you described and the building I assume you are talking about.

Hi all, In 2014 our apt building was set fire by arson following a shooting 1 floor below our apt.

🏡If you’ve had a positive experience with a home inspector or know someone reliable, please share their contact info or let me know.

- Do you have any reliable contractors who have experience in doing rehab work for your properties?

They may be able to finance you at a low down payment if you have experience, reserves, and FICO as long as the 65% of the value can support the entire purchase price  I wasn't saying 0 down, but the concept of full return of capital. 15% land purchase cash. in columbus land is let's say 50k we build a triplex for 350k which is very close to 15%. small entitlements, reserves required, etc whatever lender asks for. multifamily sells for 200k per door in our market over 4 units, we are pushing the values up. first ones we are working on because of rezoning, etc but it's a full refinance on 6 month seasoning and do it again. that's the scenario that I was outlining. we do it in the urban core of Columbus where new construction trades at $325 a square foot or more for higher rents and higher equity. we could still put more units per parcel in columbus. these are all infill I hate Lehigh acres. overbuilt, no infrastructure, no commercial drivers or asset.

I am in the NOVA/DC Area and am wanting to start/build a rental portfolio.