Carpet, flooring, paint, fixtures, landscaping.

I have solid connections and a firm understanding of the ever evolving KC Metro REI landscape, particularly as it pertains to SFR and small multi.

Utilities, taxes (property, local vacation, & income), landscaping, furnishing / decorations / amenities, pest control, & supplies (soap, TP, etc) are the big ones on my STR calculator that you didn't mention.I'd also recommend using the enemy method to determine expected income.

Happy to set up a time to talk with you more about the KC metro investing landscape, and how it relates to your goals.

As a broker, you might be able to read the landscape and find something that, even at a small loss (if it happens), will be worth your time. 

They will affect what you can and can't do and will affect the home you build (ie exterior finish, landscaping, colour, etc).

The three items above along with setbacks, landscaping and storm ponds if required dictate your footprint.Find out what the DOT's variance process is and follow that. 

I haven't as I don't really know and/or understand US real estate landscape.

The PPC landscape is highly competitive, mastering it can bring excellent results if it aligns with your budget and closing capabilities.

All that being said to get the house out of the hole you first get your permits, landscaper silt fence your lot, then have your surveyor come and rough stake the house, landscaper grub the lot, surveyor pin the house, concrete contractor set your form boards, plumber dig your underground plumbing, city/county inspect the plumbing, concrete contractor prep the slab and dig the footings, city/county inspect it, concrete contractor pour the slab, now your out of the slab and on to framing.