I got 2 payments as finder's fees from a developer/builder, and they see it as a line item in their expenses, like paying for drywall.   

I have recently been getting more into the idea of wanting to become a builder.

Over the years I have been a property manager, portfolio builder to 14M, coach and real estate broker/team leader.

What Prashanth said above is true, development sucks (I've been a land broker who sells to builders for 15 years).

After scouring the market, I was able to get large builder financing and discount incentives that allowed me to buy the property at below retail price and get good financing terms.

You need to account for Permitting Cost, Construction cost, Financing cost, Insurance costs (Builders risk & General liability), Holding costs, Selling costs, and contingencies for cost overruns.Any specific questions don't hesitate to reach out.

If you know of a good area to look or any good builders in the area that would be great.

If so, is that assuming that the builder builds at cost (and "proves" it by providing invoices/etc. by the subs)?

I am a strong believer everyone should own atleast 1 or 2 rentals as a wealth builder for future. 

There's a misconception that builders are price gouging, but in reality, the price of a home is directly tied to the cost of building it.When material or financing costs go up, home prices follow.