How to Invest in Real Estate and The Book on Real Estate Investing are a couple great books published by bigger pockets. congrats on taking the first step.

Once my property is complete, I think I'll be in a great equity position.

Since few lenders have the stomach to do this, it’s also been a great competitive advantage for our business.This horrifies almost every private lender I know.

This implies that CA has both great appreciation and great cash flow over long holds.- CA has larger share of residential units owned by investors than any other state. 

In my market - new build duplexes dont cash flow well but are typically a great 5-10 year investment. 

I'll also give them a list of "must haves" based on comps as well (for example oversized kitchen island, dedicated powder room, minimum 48" hallways, large master closet, lots of windows for natural light, gas fireplace, minimum 10' ceiling in great room, consideration of sun exposure, etc).Also if you give a good architect your budget (for example I need to be able to build this for under $350/SF) then they will design something to fit that budget. 

Hip is doing great. 

I first came to the intro about a year ago and it has been a great experience.  

Great Thread.

What he meant was, he already knew it was a great deal and advised me not to get caught up with over analysis and miss out out on the opportunity.