Cost to build in your area by the sq. ft. will be different than other areas, so comparisons may not be apples to apples.

Granted, it's not real estate so there's no apples-to-apples comparison but I'd be curious as to why you'd choose those search engines instead of Google.

I'd shop around and get an apples to apples comparison and source your own materials to see if you can get a lower bid from another contractor.

The high desert (Victorville, Apple Valley) area is a good place to start...

I understand he may influence your decision, but don't let that upset the apple cart.  

I have few questions based on my below analysisEmployment outlook1) I see lot of companies opening their data centers (Switch, Apple, Rackspace).

I'd like to learn more about the business over lunch; I'm buying.I'm south of the river (Rosemount) so I'm hoping to meet in Rosemount, Eagan, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Bloomington area.I'd like to meet you and hear what you can tell me about being a mortgage broker in MN.

With this one, I see other leasehold comps on the market in the same building, so I have some good apples to apples comparisons.

I think you'd be better off having your postcards target renters who are thinking/looking to buy a house, rather than find a new apartment to live in.And, you could create a free Home Buyer's Guide and offer that as a lead generation magnet, to get renters to give up their contact info in exchange for the guide (that way you'll be able to follow up with them).I personally don't see your current plan working, but I could be wrong.If you have the money to invest, then test-Test-TEST.Also, if you go through with it I'd love to know how it works out for you.

You need a BS meter dealing in business and especially real estate, I mentioned the bad apples, following the wrong strategy or mentor can end up losing you money at the best and in jail at the other end of the spectrum.