I have to agree, in today's market it simply does not make sense to start a new build from scratch unless you simply get more from the build than from the finished project (like me ). You'd be well served to spend this Spring/Summer going to shows and watching for something that catches your eye. You'll be surprised by the number of 'For Sale' signs you see, and if you see one that you really, really like ask the owner, and you may find that it can be bought, too.