The demand is pretty high especially if you are near Hospitals and Military Bases.   

It's a plus if they offer any good bundling options for an umbrella policy for 2-3 homes, as we're looking to get one for the first time.I know some insurers have been leaving the CA market recently so looking for updated recommendations based on your personal experiences.Thanks!

Will you want or need to rezone based on what you wish to build?

If you change the nature of the land you are actually creating 4 new pieces of real estate. 

I say you should weigh those options for yourself based on research.

An additional benefit of a detailed engineering-based Cost Segregation Study is that it can increase potential insurance premium savings as well as provide support for the property tax appeals process.

Set a goal, work backwards, and create a realistic strategy based on your personal abilities.An aggressive investment strategy can get you free from your 9-5 in about 3-5 years.

That being said never base your offer on the other guy.

The life estate will spell out the obligations of the step-father (taxes, utilities, insurance, upkeep - or even a base rent that you could use to cover those costs).

I don't know of any banks any more that will do a construction loan on investment properties based on completed value (i.e the finished value with the built in equity).