Looking for experience to Jumpstart Building and Development

[Mitch Bernstein]

As I begin my endeavor into residential development and home building I am trying to figure out how to connect with the right people that have had successful experience doing the same.

What are some recommendations as to how to go about this search?

I feel that someone currently in the business would not be a good candidate because they might see me as competition one day.  Rather, I'd like to find a retired developer or builder where I could pick their brain and get the occasional reality check. 

I've started assembling a team (GC, attorney, etc.)  and have even made bids on lots for building, yet the financial metrics keep coming in flat or negative, so either my strategy is wrong or my estimates are wrong.