When I brought up this concern, he brushed it off, essentially said not to worry.

For example, our property is mountainous with big trees and brush....a potentially dangerous fire situation. 

- Find the most useful accounting software (Freshbooks seems good so far)- Begin learning the PlanSwift estimating software- Research local real estate sales and land availability- Meet up with the accountant and get the business structure in place- Meet up with a family member who just graduated interior and structural design school and hash out a great floor plan- Get a few polos and t-shirts printed with the company logo and pass out to friends and family who have been supporting this endeavor3-6 Months- Meet with mentor and begin shadowing and learning the ins-and-outs of general contracting- Meet with plumber about partnering up for a spec build- Meet with realtor and begin searching for a great piece of land- Meet with lawyer and setup some of the more mundane boiler-plate contracts- Research local material companies, lumberyards, etc and begin setting up relationships for purchasing materials- Go to the county permit office and learn the processes and costs for applying for permits6-12 Months- Acquire a piece of land to build upon that has been soil bearing and perk tested, in a good location, and minimal tree/brush clearing if possible- Provide the architect with the floor plan and house design so they can stamp and complete the plans package (foundation, joist, floor, electrical, mechanical, side, site, roof, and detail views)- Finalize partnership with plumber and get contracts in place for how funds will be managed- Finalize partnership with mentor for sub-contractors and get contracts in place- Get a building permit!

The cabinets are factory white, but now I can clearly see the damage and brush strokes. 

@Kevin Green, I took a closer look at your pictures - keep in mind, I'm just looking at some pictures, not present at location and far from an expert - but here are some other observations:I think you have a problem with that retainer wall also - is already buckling, probably from not having a proper drainage behind it (yes, hydro-static pressure will move big stones walls) and sooner or later is going to crumble.

We are their representatives.Alot can be said for wholesalers as well, but I don't want to brush with one stroke an opinion over all wholesalers about how they price or provide accurate information, etc.

Spray a little brush killer on the stump.2) Be thankful you did not pursue a career in photography,Best, Terrell

Wood waste gets hauled home and gets burned in a brush pile.

If you do decide to self mange - it's a good idea to brush up on the law concerning property management to avoid getting yourself into any trouble.

Trees shouldn't be brushing against your house, or a large tree's roots shouldn't be damaging your foundation.