I recommend as a first step in your education in this new type of investing - join a Community that is specific to syndication investors.  

Direct mail still makes an impact too, especially when you’re targeting specific areas.

Make sure you know your exact insurance costs with a specific STR policy that has general liability as well.

I am also looking to invest in a property in Texas, specifically San Antonio. 

Based on personal experience, I would add assuring the lender is specifically authorized to perform an on-sight property inspection, at the lender's discretion / convenience. 

I also recommend you discuss this with your tax advisor.There are many other alternative asset classes to invest SDIRA funds into. 

Specifically, I’m interested in understanding the costs, potential returns, risks, and strategies involved in transforming raw land into a residential neighborhood.  

Is Guesty or Lodgify a good alternative? 

It’s crucial to stay disciplined here, as overspending on land can limit the funds available for construction and other expenses.Development Scale: I’d recommend avoiding developments in the range of 4-50 units unless you have a very specific reason.

We used a service and a proven letter, I mailed every month for 6 months, actually alternating 500 every two weeks, so I had more time to follow up with the usually 30-ish responses.