Once you're clear on that, I would make a 5 year vision, and then you can start writing down SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound) goals as milestones to help you get to that vision. 

The scariest part is pulling the trigger and jumping in, so I applaud you for reaching this milestone!

I'm sure that was a big milestone.

We discovered that some warning signs include consistent delays, a lack of communication, poor craftsmanship, and failure to meet agreed-upon milestones.

I was excited to hear about you and @Collin Schwartz personal milestones in both real estate and life.

that about nails it.. the OP thought process won't work in the states.. you can't pre sell land that is not platted.. you can take reservations but you can't take their money.. now you can and we do get some non refundable EM from the national builders.. but that might just be up to 10% or so and that is after improvement milestones have been met.Bottom line.. cash intensive.. time intensive.. some jurisdictions like maybe Texas you could get land development done in a year.. but on the west coast 18 months to forever is the time lines.

Project Plan (including start date, milestone completion dates & date of completion) 6.

Ongoing communication (where we are, what's next and what are the milestones) is lacking and only comes partially when i really push for details.Another lending investment i have with them in Puerto Rico is supposed to complete in few months but has already been delayed twice.    

I'm eager to get involved as well but I've set myself a timeline and If I can achieve certain milestones ahead of my planned time then that's great but I will not make an investment until I'm 100% confident in my numbers and comfortable with the scenario.

The semi detached project has benefitted from a couple barn doors and finally we were able to hang them (needed carpet and finishers to come back).Post 55 - appliancesAppliance delivery is another nice progress milestone in the project.