How much would it cost for material and labor for a 985 square-foot house? 

Consider using your VA loan benefit to purchase a 2-4 unit.I’m active duty Air Force and purchased three homes with my VA loan benefit.I wish you all the best.

My fiancée and I purchased our first home in 2017, and accidentally stumbled into about $125,000 of equity with it.

I currently run a successful Airbnb and want to expand but am having trouble connecting with owners or real estate agents to help. Willing to pay finders fee.

This is a different perspective...https://moneywise.com/investing/real-estate/charlie-munger-h...

I personally work in the Columbus, Oh market because my research lead to this market.Build a Local Team:Find reliable local professionals such as real estate agents, property managers, contractors, and attorneys who are familiar with the market.Network with local investors and attend real estate meetups to get referrals and build connections.Set Investment Criteria:Define your investment goals, such as cash flow, appreciation, or a balance of both.Determine your budget, financing options, and the type of properties you want to invest in (single-family homes, multi-family units, commercial properties, etc.).Financial Preparation:Secure financing or funding for your investment.

Primarily this applies to when one took bonus depreciation on land improvements, or in the case of nonresidential property, qualified improvement property.The one type of depreciation recapture you can defer with an installment sale is "1250 unrecapture" - this is that typical 25% depreciation recapture rate that you think of, which is the depreciation recapture on the straight line building and/or straight line depreciation on something like the previously mentioned land improvements or qualified improvement property.Allocation of the sales price is incredibly important here. 

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

I normally say stay close to home, but if you're in CNJ, it can be difficult. 

My only other concern is the areas that mid south buys in are typically C areas or less for the majority of properties.