However, I have helped a couple people with extremely basic home layouts when they were in the process of remodeling their home.

You basically echoed my internal conversation.

I have this theory that basically the stock market can grow faster than the fundamentals more so than housing, reason being when people put money into their 401k or whatever they are just throwing money in, not looking at p/e or whatever, the stock market is in part just an index of Americans excess savings plus it’s a unstated policy of the government that stocks go up, where as housing people are obviously very very aware of how much thier monthly payments is/ how much rent is, plus it seems that is actually a push to lower housing prices at least relative to inflation.

Make sure you understand the basic math, what qualifies as a good investment, how to manage your investment and prevent losses, etc.I would start with Set For Life by Scott Trench.

Basically I'm wondering if we should start our own LLC (owning it ourselves, "hiring" out the construction to his other LLC to avoid layering), or can I have his company get the loan and I just sign something showing that I'm providing the cash, am on the hook for the loan, etc? 

Basically, it took Mexico 40 years to achieve what took several times longer in Florida.

It's silly.I believe Jay built homes, financed them, held and sold notes, basically.

This will give you basic, reliable cash flow, without tearing your hair out.

For illustration purposes, the investor with engineering and/or construction background may excel building in a market where there is ease in doing business and can build efficiently whereas the doctor may have greater success in the established market where significant barriers already exist but can afford the entry price and can ride the waive of continued appreciation and offset their high salary by depreciating the expensive building they acquired.  

It's basically yearly treatment to protect the home from termites.