It sounds like you’re in a great position to succeed, given your extensive renovation expertise.As a fellow real estate investor, I completely understand how challenging it can be to choose the right design elements, especially when you want to make a space appealing to potential buyers.

I'd have to see your overall layouts but I think you are on the right track. we build 3 story stacked triplexes and it's very efficient so don't be afraid to go up either. anytime you build more than 1 structure costs are much higher but if its just to offset mortgage and you want to be separate then I understand. 

I am considering getting into this space (looking at some courses), but worried that its too late, and that deep local market knowledge/understanding of buyers/connection with developers etc is required to make this work, which only incumbent/long term investors will have and would be hard for a new entrant starting from scratch to catch-up...is my hypothesis valid in your opinion ?

It’s all about securing the right agreements and understanding the rules. 

Quote from @Max Martynenko: Thanks for your understanding and sense of humor!

While he’s definitely a self-made guru, he comes across as someone who genuinely wants to do the right thing when you speak with him.I understand many of you have had frustrating experiences and feel let down by the system, and I’m truly sorry to hear that.

I understand how important privacy is to our guests. 

Truthfully, I am not that big on coaching programs BUT, I can understand the benefits of having someone in your corner teaching and coaching you on the ins and outs of real estate investing every week. 

As a result, I would spend more time trying to understand who they are partnering with than anything else.  

My other SFR notes have interest rates determined by the borrower's cash, credit score and income - so market rates or higher.I understand the difference in performing vs non-performing notes and that performing can become non-performing pretty easily.