A little bit about me: I was born and raised in LA, I'm 23 years old, and I work as a software developer.

Peter if you go new subdivision pay attention to the size and solvency of the builder.The small builders that do one off homes or small to mid size cluster subdivisions those are the ones that usually can be in big trouble if an economic shift happens.Look at new build permits coming online for the area and the price range you are looking at.The big builders tend to be more experienced and can still finish out  projects with down turn so you do not get left with a pipe farm development where some homes and some empty dirt parcels.Nothing is foolproof but this can help.

I have been speaking with the county and a local developer (they are my consultant on this project) regarding the soft costs of the land development/preparing the site. 

The idea is for you to develop your team, solid set of relationships and maintain discipline (critical, even though it's very hard to do IRL).

@Charlie Gruber this should be a good motivator for you to study the issue, develop a policy, and PUT IT IN WRITING!

Galvanized in the ground will eventually develop rust holes.

You will develop fans.

Long story, short: I developed a seemingly untreatable eye disease that precluded me from looking at any screens for the past 3 years. 

I have two questions: 1) I am thinking of buying a second-home in Florida that has yet to be built direct from the developer.

We had the founder of Waukeshaw Development (they have developments in Petersburg, Bedford, Blackstone, etc) come speak to our class and he spoke specifically about Emporia and South Boston being difficult to invest in because of the demand and economy.