Many investors I have coached start with single-family and build a RE portfolio one property at a time.

Good job at 25 already thinking about your wealth building journey!  

Your friend building one house isn't even 1% of 1% of 1% of the housing inventory delivered. 2% is modular construction this article says.

You call the work subpar, but what did the building inspector say?

That being said, I'm looking for some reliable contractors to help with a few projects that need some time and attention.Does anyone have any recommendations?

no meet on the boat on this, I look at numbers and no plans, etc and equity. we develop and build at equity at the highest 50% lowest is 36%. that range is good. this isn't there I think you need to dig into the deal more 

I'm a fan of cash flow in the early periods of building an investment portfolio.

Typically, this financing options available for properties with these unit-counts have looked more like the options for commercial real estate or large apartment building financing.

Quote from @Michael Potorti: Analyzing areas around Columbus OH for purchasing duplexes and SFH for appreciation / cash flow - would like to stay in $100-200k range - any insight on where to target and areas to avoid are appreciated. we are building at 100k a door right now. if you get a bigger budget please reach out.

You can build a very strong portfolio, if you take proper precautions.Subject To Pitfalls1.