This reduces exit options and affects the value. 10) Small number of small units is the most expensive residential development there is.

I think there needs to be a change in leadership and a pro-development or up-zoning attitude.

You may also want to check the Columbus OH market - great macroeconomics with lots of job and population growth along with major companies developing here that drive strong rental demand. 

What folks should be doing is developing the understanding enabling them to build their own tools.

The primary goal is appreciation adding value building equity and therefore net worth.I’ve been at this “game” 46 years  and there is no magic bullet.It takes time, discipline and consistent effort.But it can be done in 10 years.Of course this means living below one’s means - ie spend less than they make - to develop and build cash and capital that can be invested and then watch ot grow over time.Hope this helps.Arn

Plan is to develop and sell the homes.

As I develop trust and confidence in them, I invest more, and I've come to have a significant portion of my net worth invested with some operators. 

Price $25,000 they could have developed and rented.  

The first indication is you spent $290k for $1800 cash flow or a 0.62% monthly ratio.Rent $1800 - PITIH $1480 - $180 (pm) - $90 (vacancy at 5% which is lowest i ever allocate in my underwriting and likely low per the OP description of a lot of new development) = $50 for all other expenses.Maintenance/cap ex on 4/2, 2100’ will exceed $300/month even in cheap labor markets on sustaining basis.  

Quote from @Bear Geiger: At Little Bear CreekProperties, we specialize in developing large tracts of land into individuallots for home builders in the Raleigh, NC area.