Just a heads up.

Knowing the laws ahead of time and the process is very important but just know that lateness's are part of the game we play.

I’d also reach out to the Hancock County Planning Department to get a feel for how flexible they might be on replating and rezoning—better to get ahead early.For renovations, if you don’t have boots on the ground yet, ask for referrals through local investor-friendly agents.

Get an attorney ASAP, not just to protect your own interests but to get ahead of others in the same boat who may be considering the same thing.

As a former planning commissioner the people AGAINST projects are the loudest so you want to make sure you have a good pulse on what your neighbors and the louder people at public hearings stand so you can be prepared ahead of time. 

You have an incredible background that sets you up well for what's ahead. 

I don’t personally know anyone in these areas, nor have I lived there, but I’m open to visiting to get a better feel for the markets and make connections.

Unless he is trying to get you to paint the entire house, the $1,200 dollars saving in rent is still going to keep you ahead.  

Should I go ahead and develop the land entirely and risk losing that money? 

I will, of course interview and do my own due diligence with these companies, but I just wanted to get an idea from everyone that could possibly give me a heads up on who's great or who to stay away from.