The large metro areas continue to grow outward, and for developers interested in building subdivisions needing larger tracts, the raw land on the outskirts of the city is frequency zoned agricultural (and actually being used as such). 

So much for small business, just one more bullet to digest.

I say that as many custom home builders were pretty much outpriced as competition with tract builders with their cookie cutter designs  and lower overhead. 

The properties have to be located in specific income tracts, so that would be another factor. 

My method is no secret, copy and past everything I wrote into a google doc, then replace every "Wilmington", with Jacksonville for example, then find every number associated to the template provided, and boom there is now an easy to read and digest format of notes taken on a specific market, and in the case of myself, I have taken this note taking strategy- refined it for Bigger Pockets readers, and continue to spit out data on the markets in this fashion. 

You'll find slab foundations in homes built after 1950, in tract built subdivisions, and in most new home construction. 

Another note:  An apartment developer is going to want 10 to 13 acres so you would still be left with about half of your tract to sell off. 

I'll throw this out there in case anyone thinks it should also be in the mix with the other projects.I have a large-acreage rural tract in an area with moderate seasonal tourist population demand for outdoors activities (hiking, camping, hunting, etc.) that I'd like to explore developing in the following ways:D1) Rebuild uninhabitable existing home as LTR, STR, and/or family vacation home and a place for someone in the family (maybe myself) to retire eventually.

Thanks Caroline, I'll unpack your reply and digest it a little.the original servicer said they will allow a second loan in the deal...I've heard this is the only lender so far allowing this.  

Both have nice older downtowns and newer tract homes but the schools and food options in Folsom are better along with access to Folsom Lake and The American River bike trail.