Are people seeing rents holding, increasing with rising cost of home ownership?  

Here are some steps to get started:Market Research: Identify areas with strong growth potential, low vacancy rates, and high rental demand.Financial Analysis: Evaluate the cost of construction, potential returns, and your financing options.Legal Considerations: Understand the zoning laws, building codes, and permits required for new construction in your chosen area.Sustainability: Consider incorporating green building practices to increase the property's appeal and long-term value.The Bottom LineWarren Buffett's investment in new construction underscores a broader trend in seeking alternative avenues for growth and diversification.

If you use the 203k, I would use the rehab funds to rehab the property so you can increase rents and then sit on the deal until you build enough equity.

While many HMLs will not lend to a newbie, the industry is becoming increasingly competitive, so a growing number will. 10% down should not be a lot to ask.As hard money will cost more than your HELOC, you'll need to find a better deal.

A lot of office buildings sitting at 30%+ vacancy will be "for sale" soon enough, and self-storage strikes me as among the easiest and most plausible conversion of all that surplus space for sale on the cheap.

If they do not allow then the loan can be "Due on Sale" and violate your agreement.

Less homes for sale does not reduce prices, it holds them UP. 

Ever since a competitors sales Rep told me on the side that it was the best and their pigment count was through the roof...I have never been disappointed!

And the proceeds from the sale (plus the balance from anywhere else) are used for us, as the QI, to purchase the property. 

Zillow showed in a recent survey an average of a 4.1% home value increase across the Country by going solar.