For example look at the zip code you are building in, for a recent new build in columbus that we do since miami is expensive we pulled all these stats: Zip Code Statistics: 43206Housing Units Delivered: 8 Average Sale Price: 642,875Median Sale Price: 505,000Average Price Per Sq Ft: $316.40Average Square Feet: 2172 Sq FtAverage Bedrooms: 3.25Average Bathrooms: 2.75Average Days on Market: 138We design the house around this, around the lot, around the neighborhood, from scratch and try to pick a long term build design that will do well.

It's not traditional and it comes with plenty of risks but it's a great way to get into properties with low down payment, as well as lower interest rates than the current market allows for. 

I do have those who show up stating “but my cats are clean” or “it was only one eviction” which I just say no, but I’ve also had those who may be slightly off income but have a qualified co-signer, or a lower credit score but it was for a medical bill or student loan, and they worked out well.

I'm in Simpsonville as well, and I'm actively looking.

I think this is smart to do, but you are making move for quality of life as well so make sure the town is a place you will enjoy (along with the new job) living.I've seen people use metrics to move out-of-state without really getting a feel for how much their lifestyle suits the new market.

The zillow application has worked well for me. 

In a perfect world it will also allow me to input quotes as well as actual cost to complete each line item, so I can get better with each renovation.

So know this: Learning the ropes is generally not quick or easy.You should avoid anyone with a whiff of “get rich quick” in his sales pitch, as well as “no money down” buying strategies.3.

How well do you manage risk?

It's in a well sought after neighborhood with good schools that I remodeled to appeal to modern tastes.