Also using the cash for future down payments.

In the future you need to set a date on which you evict everyone who hasn't paid.

Remember, when thinking about doing a short term loan and then a longer in the future, you'll have closing costs each time, so build that into your finances.

I try to assess the future of jobs 10 to 20 years down the line.

However, i do want to learn about it for the future.

Due diligence for land use is not much different than due diligence for REI... you have to understand constraints, opportunities, and know who to talk to.I would consider myself (and many other architects) the right first step as to what your current/future options are.

@Jared G.Welcome to BP, and congratulations on making the decision to invest in your future via real estate.I have written a few blog posts that may help you get started here on BP, and with your investing.

Just in case you are still looking or might need to in the future, I can highly recommend two contractors I've known for years- one has been a family friend for 30+ years named James Barnett; he has done many projects on my family home; and the other is a friend of 8+ years named Adrian Jorge.  

Do not count on anything happening in the future. 

I'm a prospective investor and hoping to enter the multifamily space in the near future.