We plan to live here for 2-3 years and sell.

If you're planning to use an FHA loan or another owner-occupant loan, there are typically rules about tenant occupancy.

meeting with one developer is a good start but if you have plans I'd be happy to look.

I also plan on applying my net rental income towards principal only payments to shorten the life of the loan.

Quote from @Frank Chin: @Matthew SpiegelSome years back, I used to go to the local building or planning departments, and get the information from the local offices directly.

Any other ideas for the best corporate structure for this planned endeavor?

We're planning a trip this spring.

Hey Joshua,I'm currently in the throws of a development project in Brooklyn, and the $300 a sf model is a little light, especially if you plan on decent finishes. 

Paying debt down is a bad move if you plan on inflation which we do.  

I’m not promising a fairy tale, but if you want guidance from someone who’s spent late nights haggling with contractors, tweaking staging plans, and emailing roofers at odd hours, well, I’m here.