And then you can use that information to start to develop your own personal due diligence method: Crowdstreet.com, 1031 Crowdfunding, Akr7, Finresi etc.

Michael,   A good book to purchase is "Professional Real Estate Development: The ULI guide to Business.   

I would talk to some lenders  getting land loans and development loans with no experience is next to impossible starting out.. 

I want to develop my sales skills to negotiate better deals.

Also keep in mind in LA most of those lots were created from 1900 to 1950s and well they are lots of record.. and were developed with the standards of the day..

I get it with the builders.. we saw that big time in the GFC however the deals I saw was them walking away from substantial EM deposits deep into the 6 figure range.. we did well picking up some lots from lot developers who had this happen to them..

But, all of the areas around there are starting to develop as well. 

However, you have to invest in specific communities where they are encouraging development.

In the case of the stolen furniture I would also ask how did the police offer develop the competence to read a lease and decide that was a reason to not pursue the case? 

Check out some of things happening in Detroit in 2024:https://michiganchronicle.com/2024/01/03/major-developments-that-will-define-detroit-in-2024/Your first question shouldn't be WHERE to invest (that is #2 question), but HOW you will invest!