A growing list of machine-to-machine solutions vanquish many profit-killing variables of building rental properties.

The front end of a development project, once you get past the planning and permitting phase, is typically where good builders can really shine. And if you’re a reader of this magazine, chances are you’re already pushing the envelope in terms of craftsmanship, home performance and scheduling. But are you following the Market, or leading the way? If current trends continue, the future of most residential construction lies in cities, not the old model of single-family production homes on greenfields. Sure, there will always be a market for one-off, high-end custom homes, but is this how you want to spend your twilight years, serving an ever-smaller group of ever-more-demanding clients?