There is an entire forum section dedicated to this subject under "Real Estate Strategies".

Real cheap order taking QIs can save you a few bucks because they are dealing with such volume but experience and customer service can be suspect.  

This will take learning how and dedication to get sellers on the phone. 

I've built my business on repeat customers.

So, some of us prefer passive investing with others who have full time staff dedicated to deal flow. 

I'm just a happy customer that has used their services for years to buy properties at trustee sale and to provide quick feedback on notes that I foreclose on.

Are there homes partially completed, where the builder is allowing buyers to customize the finish-out?

I can offer the investor exceptional customer service to his/her client base. 

, they have a whole department dedicated to solar and they should be able to get you the best info on current projects that have share availability or upcoming projects if all the built-out ones are fully subscribed.

Hard work to create income (hard work seems to be a lost art these days) , dedication to live within your means, grow your sources of income, invest what you save into cash producing assets, grow those assets... repeat.