How can I learn which builders have their heads in the sand and are providing the weakest incentives or aren't fast in lowering prices to meet market demand these feel like the best opportunity to short their stock for maximum profit 

Most builder's have commission already built into their margins and you likely aren't going to get the difference off the price.

The seller probably looked at the Zestimate or the Redfin estimate or something silly like that, without realizing the the algos don't go inside houses to know how they compare, and aren't accurate.

And to be honest, many of these properties aren't in great shape—most need cosmetic work, and some are pretty rough overall.I know house hacking is a good way to reduce the cash needed (5% down as a primary), but I'm not looking for a primary residence—I want to go the investment route from the start.So my question is:Is this typical for a first investment property?

We would prefer to 1031 and move to a different region of the country, but we aren't forced to. 

Managing tenants and managing contractors aren’t that far apart.

It turned out they aren't serious and I'm not ready to take on the risk and work required to manage a hybrid STR/MTR that I believe it would take to make it viable, and also don't want to put the majority of our HELOC into one property.

.: Check out FB marketplace if you aren't on there. 

I would walk it with a GC first so you aren't guessing.

.• HOA & Leasing Rules: New communities often come with HOA restrictions – make sure there aren’t limits on renting or lease terms.• Cash Flow vs.