This said, I think its very important to be aware of the surrounding areas in terms of projected growth and developments to help plan year 2,3,4, etc. 

For beginners wishing to develop their portfolio, it's fantastic.

Also open to land (for development), commercial real estate, etc.

This is a needs-based use, so it has recession resiliency, but many states also have development restrictions so you don't see the over-building problem like we've recently seen in self storage and multifamily. 

Yes the loan would be secured by the land initially and then everything affixed to the land as you develop it.  

However, I am also considering duplex and tri-/quad-plex assets if they pencil.Additionally, I currently work for a locally-based commercial developer/lender on multifamily, land, and some hospitality projects.

I developed The Community Wealth Framework, a system designed to empower individuals to build personal wealth while strengthening entire communities.

The cost is minimal and I am smoking the closest competitors in my market.

Is this something I can do without a development background?

These types of organizations are starving for developers like you to help them execute on their program goals.