Residential development in rural area

[Terrance Merck]

I am currently looking to acquire 2.5 acres of land for development in a rural area in North Carolina. This would be my first undertaking. The land is  in a usda defined rural area and zoned for residential development. The land was scheduled to be phase two of and already 30 existing town home development that the 2.5 acres is next to. It is my intent to build 20 to 30 town homes. The seller seems motivated. I am unsure as to why he decided not to move forward with phase two of development. To finance project I am looking towards usda and possible private money. I am currently getting all of my ducks in a row and as a newbie would like guidance on what steps to make.