I own a multi-use building on main street in Mount Vernon, Iowa, 2 story with retail on first floor (restaurant) and two apartments upstairs. 

You're talking about going very big with your first property via the multi family or multi-unit new build route.

Done a little of many things, I'm 24 and want to keep building my skills repairing homes as I feel there will be more of this work in the future.

Additionally, CA was on the cusp of launching CA community solar, whereby a developer could build solar projects and sell the power to the utility, however, it's on hold pending the final CPUC decision, and it doesn't look promising.

There is opportunity building houses, but should someone who doesn't know which end of a hammer to hold start building one himself?!?

It is a catch 22 about building a team - you can't really do it for real without having a property. 

@Gino BarbaroI love your approach as I have a similar approach.Go big or go home isn’t always the right approach.As you note, in a market where one has a strong existing footprint, it’s easy to pick up additional smaller assets.That’s what we do in Greenville SC.It’s our only market and we own buildings that range in size from a triplex to 181 units - doesn’t matter to us.

If you or you know anyone looking to build a relationship for providing Gap funding, flips, properties lets talk.

Historic average is about 60 buildings for sale at any time, so we are way down. 

I also own a STR in Kalamazoo, MI and a commercial building in Traverse City, MI.