Welcome Maxine. best of luck on your journey, if i can help in anyway would love to connect. go to as many networking events and mingle. as well as learn here on this awesome forum. the best way to learn would always be taking action.

If you’re looking to invest in your backyard, it helps to network with as many locals in the industry as you can.

Meet-ups and networking are great places to start. 

The most accurate way is to network with other investors in your market.

Some investors buy land in cash or with short-term financing, then refinance it later when they’re ready to build.Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of networking.

Networking with luxury RE brokerages will probably fast track you as well. 

Did you mean the alley is 8 ft wide, not inches? 

After a couple of years of treading the path to frugality to build this financial runway, I've networked with the greatest people who made this all happen, of course, it took the strength, determination, time, etc to place myself where I am today but, without the mentorship of my two great mentors whom I wish used BiggerPockets so I can mention, I don't believe I would have made it thus far relying on some whimsical dream that this will all pan out accordingly, thank you for everything Greg and Lashawn.In addition, I would like to thank Bigger Pockets for connecting me with the greatest realtor @Stephen Schmitt Who took my dreams and aspirations to the core when we first connected and spoke about my future goals to replace my W2 job for financial freedom. within three months of me deciding to pull the trigger and get pre-approved, we found this killer cash-cow that apprised over purchase price!!! 

Fastest way to learn is by networking with people who are actively doing what you want to be doing in the future 

Most of my network hasn't heard of them or done any deals with them, so I'm reaching into the ether to find out more than what Google can offer.