Does anyone have any insight as to what I can use as a reference to create my direct marketing materials? 

I won't have an understanding of that until I've bought materials, paid contractors, labor, etc. 

Took some sweat equity and about 12K of material, but it sure is nice to be yielding those returns!

But then they sent me an email trying to sell me a $3k package that includes a "starter experience education pkg, an expert experience education pkg, homework assignments" and other marketing material. 

They'll even help you with marketing materials like postcards or door hangers.

While this seems like a huge advantage, typical residential construction consists of tile roofs, stucco siding, concrete block fences, metal doors and windows, slab foundations and desert landscaping (rock), which do not require much maintenance.

If you are choosing very nice finish material the price will go up considerably.  

Yes, contractors have hard costs for materials.

From my moron contractor that lied to us he was licensed in plumbing and electrical.. that did all the wiring and plumbing and then covering it all up with sheetrock, trying to scam the city into thinking no one touched electrical, to not ever having a single inspection done, then stealing money from me, and running, and buying the cheapest material.. ever!...

If he screws up you have all materials ready to go for the next guy in line to pick up where he left off.