you start with a realtor Lawyer is for when you have the deal tied up. 

I would do the deal if I were in your shoes.

The only time I'd say it's an okay idea is if either: The area you're investing in is expecting so much appreciation that you will easily profit off that (watch out for mortgage interest though...the appreciation needs to be higher than what you pay in that and expenses to make it profitable)You have some specific reason for wanting to do it- family ties, future home, major long-term hold, etc.Maybe I'm forgetting another one, but those two are all I have for now...

If they won't let you build on it, explore doing a lot tie agreement so that you can combine the parcels and when you go to resell it, you can ask for a higher price point based on the large lot.

About 2012-2013 I was in your same shoes.

If in your shoes, I'd be sorting my marketing strategy, and jazzy ways to do my frunishings, marketing budget, how to Gorilla the hell out of it.

My employment is tied to my office in London at the moment. 

The best market is likely a "Good" cash flow market that you have some ties to, in some way shape or form, or one that is a reasonable drive from where you live, if practical/possible. 

This can be a very good move if you have plenty of equity tied up in your house. 

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