I'm also exploring costs for a new build.  

Those realtors typically develop a poor reputation not wanted by others.

It is bound to fail, and I would hurt my reputation along with it.

Based on the fact that you're on BP, I would imagine you'd like to explore the RE space for better yield, short term (under 5 years) investments...? 

There are some pretty good ones.Get to know some local investors and ask what they're using.Get to know some local wholesale-friendly title companies and ask for theirs.Take a reputable course and see what they have as part of their program.Ultimately, review what you have with a good lawyer or title attorney, make sure it works for where you are, and that you understand it completely.

I am new to Real Estate investing, at the moment I am learning, absorbing knowledge and exploring different investing paths.

Also you don't need an LLC to be covered, you can purchase under your name and just have an umbrella policy.Now yes you can go the construction loan route, hell the VA has a loan like that but that is up to 4 units. ( You may want to explore that as well) And other investing types would be with other investors, private money, and hard money.  

@Michael JackmanI've been doing some napkin math exploring the possibilities.

They provided us with an estimate for septic system repairs done by a reputable company; however, when we had our usual company come out to do the repairs they found that the soil was not suitable and they would have to reach out to the county to run (perc) tests and to give the "okay" to continue work.

Many people just getting started with little capital turn to wholesaling for obvious reasons.  Most of the articles I've seen posted by investors here is 'Here is why wholesalers suck' and not 'here is how investors a...