Building rental properties

[James Lynn]

Hello all.  My name is James and I am from northeastern NC.  I am 33 years old and today have decided to start building a rental business.  I know a few other people that do the same around here and have made a good living doing so.  So, with all that being said, here is my question.  

Does anyone know if I am able to buy a piece of land, build a house on it myself (yes everything will be up to code and build with safety in mind), and then rent it out.  I have been looking at house prices and for the price of a house around here that is going to be in a decent neighborhood and not require a ton of work, I can buy the land and build two for that same price.  Another reason I ask is because my credit is crap due to a sepraration and irresponsibility on my part.  There is no way I would qualify for a home loan so the savings is starting today and I will be paying cash for everything.  It would take forever to save up enough to buy a house with cash around here.  But, if i bought the land and did the building myself it would go by much faster.  Soo, I figured I would get some suggestions here.  Any and all advice will be helpful.  Thank you all.  :)