If yes, and if you do not have much experience yourself, I would engage a local civil engineer to guide you through the initial planning phases even before you get to design & construction. 

For a complete beginner that is trying to jump into their first deal with absolutely little to no knowledge (obviously read books and countless videos, etc), when is a good time to start paying the $100 a month to utilize PropStream?

I think at this time, while I focus on my fellowship, I will continue to read, engage on the forums, and educate myself regarding REI and the opportunities that are available out there.I think right now I only have time for passive investing (syndications), but once I become an attending, my fiancee and I should have more time, and I'd like to use my solid income as a physician to purhcase some properties (single fam or multi fam, or possibly in partnerships).

@David VaughnIn general I agree with what you have said however I have had this happen......house sitting for 6 mo, make an offer at asking, be told there is a new interested party, not adjust my offer because I think they are blowing smoke, loose the deal because there was another offer.I think it is common place for agents or wholesalers to re engage tire kickers when they get an offer.At the end of the day I tend to offer what I am willing to pay no more no less.

For a very through instruction on running numbers for a STR, Tony Robinson created this video and analyzer for newbies.Tony Robinson Analyzer

Creating audiences seems to be the most important feature from what I'm getting from the videos I'm watching.

Engaging in the process led me to investigate real estate investment and subsequently to BP.

@Donnie N. based on the video:1.

You can use this tool to figure out that part: https://docs.google.com/document/d/100dRzu-iQEIZbR1adxIASdH2...Once you have that you should engage a local broker to discuss the options for those types of uses in your market and they will be able to help you understand the overall picture and cap rates of the various options.

An intro video (hosted on youtube) to you and your business process is also a great way to help connect with your leads through your site.