In reality, the homeowners typically use the ground floor as ordinary living space.If your home has a problem unique to it, a general contractor may have a way to cope with the problem (sump pump, grading, etc)

Okay guys, this duplex has some what looks like serious foundation issues going on, this is a duplex built in 1895 and is a slab on grade foundation.

It might be worth considering bringing in a partner who is experienced and competent in community development. 30 acres means you should have enough land to develop the lower end of an investment grade community that is well worth doing.You should know that many husband and wife teams started with very little, borrowed a lot of money, worked smart, and very hard, and five years later found themselves millionaires doing just what I think you are considering doing.

Wheelbarrow Profits Podcast - While they have a variety of different guests, Jame and Gino have several interviews with individuals who have scaled quickly and achieved success in the multi-family arena.  

Only stone, brick, stucco or concrete can go to the finish grade.

Property summary:Location: Burke, VA (22015)Single Family Split Level 2-Levels4 Bed/3 Baths, finished basement with exterior entrance1,185SF Above Grade Living Area; 525SF basementCorner lot, approx .25 acresMy parent's have owned it 34 years and are looking to relocate full time out of the area (been splitting time between Burke and Myrtle Beach past 15 years).

Trying to be as  specific as possible about one of the most subjective topics in RE investing- Neighborhood Grading.

I have also used regular cut pile carpet, probably slightly less than mid grade, and The cut pile carpet definetly stands up to abuse better.

You can determine what their Basic House Allowance (BHA) will be by their grade and family status (single versus with dependents).  

My long term goal is not necessary cash flow, (at least in the next 5-10 years) but to build a portfolio that will sustain it's self. i.e. i'm not throwing cash into it every month (i'd also like a property manager for my properties eventually when i scale) so I need to account for that also.