I am currently trying to find lenders that offer better than a 15 to 20% down payment for a conventional loan on two investment properties new build SFH in North Atlanta area.So far I have been using the preferred lenders since they offer $2k from the lender and $2k from the builder towards closing costs, but it’s a 20% down payment.

It was a new build with a local home builder in the area.

And as mentioned this is a hazy plan at best.At this moment my hunch is that commercial is the better wealth builder.

Do you buy the lot to build or just work with builder?

@Eldridge Stroman Talk with your insurance agent, but you'll probably want vacant property coverage and builder's risk.While you're rehabbing, takes steps to guard against having tools and building materials stolen. 

Hi Amira: as builders, we have developed a niche of building rental properties that appeal to investors for short-term rentals.  

It was written long ago, but the principals are worth the read  We also attended a "Fortune Builders" 3 day seminar after attending a freebie 3 hour hotel seminar- they tour around the country... think the seminar was about $175 bucks for the 3 days.  

It doesn't sound like you did much work to find something from a builder and you need to guidance on the way through the transaction.

This leads me to think that it might be easier to sell this to a developer/custom builder or at least have one tell me what it would cost to tell me to build a new house.

Bought in 2013 and used as my brokerage office/training center for all area agents, now used to house real estate teams, builder, wholesaler and looking to add bookkeeping, lender, and transaction coordinator.