If you'd like specific answers from the market you're looking in, it might be helpful to mention that in your next post.

All good markets to get started in as long as you have a good team in place.

Petersburg offer robust rental markets with steady demand.

There is a section in Furnished Finder that tells if utilities are included or not so you can see if most properties in your market do the same.

.- Location and Market Trends: Choose projects in prime locations or areas with high growth potential.

HOWEVER, real estate brokers are profited from engaging in the advertising and marketing of a property in which the person advertising or marketing is not the titled owner, merely holds a contractural interest, under a theory that doing so \is a violation of agency rules and laws.First, the interpretation that the above is a violation of agency seems to be a stretch and ripe for legal action.  

Many markets outside of Orange County and out of state offer investment properties between $100K-$200K. 

I am the first to catch word of retiring landlord with 150 dirt cheap off market properties in a small town close to me. 

Look for properties with potential for value appreciation, understand local market conditions, and be prepared with financing options.

As for the land, with some looking around and a possible off market deal, with time I’m confident I could find an R2 lot for relatively cheap compared to the build.