I prefer the economies of scale of more units.

That is exactly what municipalities do to roadwork contractors, only on a much larger scale. 

Tulsa probably isn't too much different than DFW, and $10K around here will usually get you good rental grade rehab for a house that size, IF the roof, foundation and HVAC are good and you don't have to replace all the appliances & cabinets.  

It is probable that under a free market economy the DOW would have fallen below 4000.However, we do not live in a free market global economy and given that government-financial sector complex has virtually unlimited ability to create money and absorb debt if it is done on a global scale they can play the system any which way they choose to.The DOW has tested 6500 recently and moved up sharply since.

If this has been happening for years you've probably got a rotted sill, which is the where the wood sits on the concrete.The wood will wick up water above the water line, inside the wall and you'll get rot and mold in and on the walls.I'm going to guess that over the years, erosion from the hill has left the ground level behind the garage higher than the slab elevation, and you've probably got a negative grade, meaning the dirt from the hill slopes to the garage, not away from the garage.

That could be a real pain to rewire and update.Plumbing is the next issue with lead pipes, I'd take the drains and water supply to PVC and PEX for your runs above grade would be great for your cold weather.Just thoughts on old building issues, but can they be nice?

It is 24"x24" block, 22 feet from grade to cap.Any idea what it would cost to veneer with stone?

But none the less it is STILL overwhelming, no matter what pay scale you are at.

Margins may be skinnier in the beginning, but my end goal is to build a sustainable model and benefit from economies of scale, just need to get things off the ground!

Also, I'm sure you could find creative ways to employe somebody in the business as maybe an equity partner or on a performance/commission basis that would really help you scale your business without committing too much of your current cash flow...