Most people use LLC for liability and asset protection, not necessarily tax benefit. 

You could ask them if you could start with the process-ie have a builder look at the property (with the owner okaying when you do it to avoid problems with people currently there), come up with plans, so you can start as early in the new year as possible.

I've gotten the current infill lots by word of mouth, wholesalers, and people coming up to the build site asking if we'd like to buy their lots.

You could have a few things driving the cost:-Location - if the house is more remote the contractor will have higher costs to get out there (gas, lodging, limited resources) or if you are using a local guy he might be higher because he knows there are fewer competitors -El Nino - the roofers we use are all busy because people are rushing to get work done before the rains hit.  

Brandon Turner always says let people know what you are doing.

I've done this with my properties because I'm well known in my small town and don't want people to know what I own.LEGAL PROTECTION: By placing your assets in an LLC, you are legally separating them from your personal assets.

I do know of some builders and lenders in the area that are organizing to create solutions for people who are stuck because a builder can't finish the job. 

It isn't typically automatically released like it is in other states.In parts of the Bay Area, people are coming in over asking with no contingencies, unfortunately that is becoming common.

A great way to network and meet people in your local community is to attend in person meet ups.

I agree on all the points you’ve shared and definitely use them for my research.One question I wondered about was if people care about political affiliations (red/blue area).