Looking for Mentor/Resources on Buying Subdividable lots

[Courtney Mercier]

Hi!

I am a total beginner in this corner of the RE universe and would love for someone to help with mentorship and/or showing me where I can learn more about... 

Lots that are sub dividable.  I have been looking for a home in Southern California... which I do not want to go the typical route because of competition and also my tax returns are not so friendly to conventional lenders.   I have wondered, at length, about purchasing lots that are zoned R-2 / R-3 and selling off the the one or two of them and then keeping one for myself and putting a home on it.  I have even considered doing spec homes with a builder on the other one or two lots. My dad was a builder (but has now passed) and I just think this makes so much sense but need to find access to the knowledge and potentially an investor/creative financing to do the rest.

Anyone who could offer any advice/time/links to info would be greatly appreciated. 

Cheers, 
Courtney