Who are the most respected and price effective structural engineers that work your target neighborhood? 

We actually hired our own software engineers to modify the system for what we needed, and allowed the developer access to and property rights to what we developed in exchange for a long term license at low cost.  

I wanted to stay in the same county that I grew up in. I

Is there a certain amount of savings or financial cushion that experienced investors recommend before jumping in? I

Social engineering and well as economy management drives government to tax different income, age groups, etc differently.  

I have heard you have to own land with all permits and engineering completed before closing on the construction loan exclusively in California. 

It is true that you are able to find deals in every market, but one of the things I have learned is that finding the best markets to invest in is better that trying to make deals work in a bad market just because it is close to home.To answer your other questions. 

Jardin, with that price point you're aiming for and cash on hand, I would definitely recommend staying in your state and even the town you're in. I

Prior to diving in I would suggest a few things: I agree with @Kevin SobiloInvest in relationships and knowledge before taking the leap1.

A little about myself, I graduated from North Carolina A&t with a degree in Computer Engineering.