If you can't keep control of your personal finances, you are highly unlikely to succeed in real estate investing.

The mid term is obviously much cheaper, probably closer to the 1700+- range, but the STR season would be profitable.

Just as a reminder in addition to the interest rate, amortization schedule and fixed period of the loan, inquire about: 1) Prepayment Penalties (In case you want to refinance in a few years), 2) Possibility of Rehab Funding, 3) Reserve Requirements, 4) Personal Guarantees, 4) Rate Adjustments (i.e. at the 5 year mark) to understand other variables in the loan product that works best for your project.

I have to do a little more due diligence before I feel comfortable with sending them any of my personal info.

Having worked in a large corporation most of my career, the more analytics you throw at something, the more comfortable management feel about actually making a decision. 

In order to undertake a new build I would have to personally know the builder and be comfortable with his work.

Any thoughts on investing luxury pre-sale homes in Las Vegas, especially if you have to put a large down payment to get it started?  

I don't know if I would call it an investment per se, but it is certainly a large stream of income if done correctly. 

I personally like the rehab estimator on here.1.

like - your own market. or a market a couple hours away that you can spend some time in person in. or where you went to college. or where you like to vacation.