I understand this is a good way to become financially secure over time and am eager to start.  

Quote from @Michael Smythe: @Jerry NoguerasRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

A good real estate accountant can save you thousands of dollars by leveraging entity selection and formation, tax deductions, cost segregations, bonus depreciation and tax planning.I recommend finding an accountant who specializes in real estate taxation, business taxation, financial planning and tax planning.You may want to consider working with your accountant remotely to expand your options.I would also recommend looking for a accountant willing to work with you throughout the year.

Start with the county, zoning, planning commissions etc.

This deal proved to be the perfect balance of financial gain and personal enjoyment.

Germany's resilience to global financial crises and its strong fiscal policies create a favorable environment for real estate investment.Moreover, interest rates in Germany remain at historically low levels, largely due to the European Central Bank's monetary policies.

I plan to sale the lots that way.

I work full time at a decent job, but have quickly learned that I needed to make some changes in my families life by securing our financial future. 

And hopefully I can be financially independent by paying the mortgage down eventually.  

To really give you good feedback on this, we’d need to know more about your goals and your current financial situation.