I would try to find an 0607 GM LBZ diesel. They were the best of the GM diesel engines. I had an 07 that got 25mpg on the highway. When pulling my 40' 5th wheel it was getting 14.5mpg. It was a 2500 series.
I only had one wish on my bucket list. That is to drive to Key West on my Harley and fish off the bridges. My eyesight isn't that good anymore. So that won't work. My wife agreed to let me take her BMW convertible on this extremely long adventure. I live in Northern Alberta, Canada. So, it's...
I was the GC on my new home build. It is/was a 2300ftsq 2 story with a full basement. I never had any issue with anybody. It worked out very well. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.
A word of caution. Make sure to have LOT'S of extra parts on hand. Especially suspension parts. Those RC's are very cheaply built. My kid's and I have been in this hobby for over 25 years.
You should be using treated lumber for your outside wood projects. My front porch is 28 years old. I used pressure treated wood on 100% of it. I've never had to replace any boards, spindles or railing since.