Community Development from scratch?

[Eric X.]

This is more or less trying to get a better understanding of commercial or large residential development.

I plan to do more planning and such in the near future.

I'm in Illinois and my proposed project is in California. Goal is to buy a large parcel of land, develop niche community. Getting funding/cash/investors is actually somewhat the easy part for me but the process to do so is probably a bit more difficult/confusing. Still have a ways to go but what would be the best way to tackle this? I have very little development experience but can learn quickly. Is trying to work for a development company in Illinois the best or is it best to learn by myself and perhaps involve someone that is much more familiar in California? need to dip my feet in the water and learn as much as I can and I'm trying to find out the most proficient way to do so.