Once a builder/developer can get a TRUE bank loan there is no going back to any other source.

Guessing related to child support.  

Id recommend getting comfortable with the terms.Some books that are helpful (not totally MF focused)-Confessions of a Real Estate Entreprenuer (Perspective of an investor, how they think, how they take risks and how they learn)-Am I Being Too Subtle (Mindset, managed risk, opportunity spotting)-Zeckendorf - Autobiography (Relationships, risk taking, deal structure, development)-BP Rental Property InvestingI'd also recommend going to Lowe's, Home Depot, Habitat for Humanity to build your brain around materials, costs, quality and history of materials (even if you're not the one doing the work).Lastly, once you've conceptualized the asset class itself and general understanding of deal structure / operating structure...look into some news articles and trends in MF.

If the goal is truly to replace W2 income, a more realistic approach would involve development related investments that have the potential to generate more meaningful cash flow.

Great topic — ground-up projects can produce strong margins, but execution risk is where many investors get caught off guard.From the builder/developer side, the biggest challenges we consistently see are:1️⃣ Site Work UnknownsFill, compaction, drainage, and soil conditions can shift budgets quickly — especially in markets where lot conditions vary significantly.2️⃣ Utilities & Impact FeesWater/sewer access, well/septic requirements, and local impact fees are often underestimated during underwriting.3️⃣ Environmental FactorsProtected species, wetlands, and flood elevation requirements can affect both timelines and build costs.4️⃣ Permit TimelinesApproval periods — particularly when civil or environmental reviews are involved — can extend holding costs beyond initial projections.5️⃣ Builder Execution CapacityProject success often comes down to the operator’s systems, trade relationships, and cycle times — not just the numbers on paper.Because of these hurdles, we’re seeing more investors lean toward ready-to-build projects — where feasibility, plans, and permitting are already in progress or completed — as a way to reduce entitlement risk and shorten timelines.Ground-up can be extremely rewarding, but the upfront diligence and execution planning are what ultimately determine outcomes.Always happy to compare notes with other investors and builders working through similar projects.

Unfortunately, bed bugs can be in a house for 9 weeks before a full blown infestation develops and they're found by bites. 

Developing land is super risky, so just make sure you are checking everything that needs to be checked with the right consultants. 

I use a spreadsheet I developed to determine my entry costs, carrying costs, cash flow, tax write offs, appreciation and exit costs.

I’m also looking to connect with more real estate developers and people who are actively doing deals.Are there any real estate investment or business communities you’d recommend that have solid weekly meetups and good people who are actually out here closing deals and growing?

You can still find properties in ranges where the 1% rule is possible depending on how you buy, and there’s a ton of appreciation upside because of all the development and job migration happening.