I was approached by a realtor/broker/developer to do a larger storage project. 

It seems like you really have developed a good understanding of real estate in a relatively short time from all while maintaining a full time job as an engineer.

Anyone have knowledge of these type developments?

I personally think anyone with fewer than 20 units is wasting money by paying for software when a spreadsheet would do just fine.I recently tested TenantCloud (free for up to 75 units) and it has some really great features for a beginning Landlord, to include online marketing.

$20m development articleI both live and have invested in this neighborhood. 

As for the zoning references above, contact your local county's planning and development or zoning office to discuss what their process for finding out the zoning and then possibly changing the zoning on a location you are looking to buy.

See the attached linkhttp://city.milwaukee.gov/AreaPlans/NearWest.htm#....Some of the local bigger players/companies  supporting the project are Harley Davidson, Miller Coors, Marquette HS, Marquette university, Aurora Health care and  West End Development Corporation.

That's a good start while you have W-2 income, and it will start you developing a knowledge base for managing a property and also start creating a track record of your performance.

A little about me: I'm currently based in Boston where I'm a Business Development manager for a SaaS company serving the energy industry. 

I'm a local HML myself now, but I encourage everyone to develop their own private money in their circles of influence and spend a little time each year putting on a class on how to do it.