In particular, I am looking for recommendations for local banks that provide construction loans and references for GC's.Any other reference or leads are appreciated!  

I am just starting to watch BP videos, listen to Podcasts and read the forum threads.

It is easier to show it to everyone and encourage everyone to apply to not be accused of leading or discriminating.You can also set up appointments open house style where you are there only a certain time and they overlap, because you will run into no-shows.We show all interested folks the place and offer an application. 

if you have NEVER done a build job or spec i think that financing will be your biggest hurdle.also your cash position is quite weak.. sometimes vertical lender will over look experience if you pay cash for the dirt.but leverage and no experience leads to no deal.. this would be a decent deal for a local builder given carrying cost sales costs etc etc.. how much they would cut you in for finding it and providing a little bit of cash is up to negotiation of course.

We used the basic "Four Square Method" video to determine costs vs income.

Just as safety for myself.The internet is great so a wifi thermostat and/or video camera is good.I have my wife as an agent so when I'm not around she can do things so should not be a problem.

On you tube there are some good videos explaining things from UDirectIRA, KKOS Lawyers/Mark Kohler, Matt Sorenson and others.

The weather of Chicago and how various neighborhoods and suburbs react to the signs will test your patience and grit, but, if you can last, you'll have some leads.

I understand wanting to have multiple sources of potential leads.

I finally decided to join BiggerPockets after months of watching BP videos on YouTube and reading article after article from BP and many other sources.