@David WardYes, there's a lot to take in and it's exciting to get immersed in the information available here.

I'm here to 'one up,' the establishment. ;-)

I want to get started and feel like I have a lot to learn.  

Even though the area is not large it seems that each area has their own group of established investors.  

If that's the case, and if you cannot get financing (either b/c you don't have established credit or b/c you have a part time job), then you could try buying something in cash, doing owner's financing (where the seller finances the house for you, acting as the bank, this happens mostly with people who have paid off the house already, a lot of times older people), or a rent to own (but oftentimes this isn't a good value for your money so be careful and research this a lot!). 

I am likely going to buy my first home/ primary residence in the spring/summer of 2015 and hope to learn a lot to make that best possible situation, as well as many more investment properties!

The redemption period is established on the day the suit is filed by a taxing authority; as established with the county appraisal district, and it's issuance of the appropriate exemption. 

Ive got a long term marketing plan established and expect there will be more. 

That could require combining lots to build one house.There a lot to do and a lot to research as part of your due diligence before proceeding.Besides talking to the town officials, I'd also look at both the subdivision ordinance and the land development ordinances .Good luck.

I have been looking at a few potential opportunities in Newton but have been hesitant only since I don't know much about the dynamics of Newton.Also, I should have an official investor group established within the next month or so.