Also local architects that have worked on similar projects are a good resource and can help guide you through the process.

If you need more ways to find motivated sellers and properties, I wrote a few BiggerPockets blog posts about finding them online, offline, and through relationships, that you might find helpful:https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/8814/72016-55-resources-to-find-real-estate-deals-onlinehttps://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/8814/71506-27-ways-to-find-off-market-and-wholesale-real-estate-deals-offlinehttps://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/8814/72664-35-relationships-to-help-you-find-more-houses-to-flip-or-wholesaleInterested to hear how you’ve been, in terms of the cold calls and D4D since you started. 

Someone familiar with the area and flood plain maps should be able to compare the maps and various online resources (google earth) and have a pretty good idea if it is in or out. 

There is so much on the education link that I am sure you will find it a great resource.

It comes down to what revenue you could generate with the land that will determine how much time/resource you spend.

Get with a good commercial broker and they can guide you through the process. 

Do your research, check multiple resources, and find people you can trust.Don't be afraid to ask questions but try to be specific.Bad question: "How do I get started in real estate?"

On their own, my children will bring up examples they see of people wasting their resources or taking advantage of their resources. 

Go to the beginners guide which is free as well.

@John Thedford This is a great resource that I use every year to analyze markets for multifamily syndications.