I approached him about contributing a portion of their funds early to help cover some of the predevelopment soft costs like geo-tech and architect fees.

While you are considering the cost of defending yourself, they have to consider the cost of coming after you based on a verbal agreement they apparently violated.Throwing in the towel every time someone threatens to sue would have cost me tens of thousands over the years.

I guess what I am wondering about is waht could be called 'soft time' compared to fixing things, doing leases, etc......And for what it is worth, my partners and I are GREAT at tracking time (we use Google's Toggl app) as that if part of how we split profits for the work we each put into our joint properties. 

Soft costs are low for me. 

In addition to mortgage, insurance, taxes, and repairs that you would have in a long-term rental, in a vacation home you must pay for utilities year round, gardening/pool cleaner, advertising, supplies (if the towels or sheets get worn out, you must replace; dishes broken, you must replace), deferred maintenance (cannot be deferred long or guests will complain), etc. - Understanding area occupancy rates is key.

I have just learned more than I ever wanted to know about main line sewer clogs, and most of the advice was to ban all use of supposedly "flushable" wipes, feminine hygeine products, paper towels, etc.  

I would like to get some input from experience land developers on soft cost and also how would you approach this deal if you needed partners to do this deal.

No fancy soft vinyl flooring.

I am looking at doing section 8 again, and I will follow my golden rules for section 8:Use the local churches to the property: Offer the preacher a church donation for helping you find a "truly deserving" tenant.I only rented to single mothers: I am adopted, so I guess I have a soft spot for single mothers, they also tend to be better tenants.I only hire locals to keep up with the landscaping: It shows that I am helping out the local community.I do quarterly inspections, but always randomize them: I never went on the same day twice...

If a stove top fire occurs, immediately turn off heat and smother fire with a lid or wet towel.