Development is a very complex business that involves real estate, construction, engineering, design, finance, etc.

Now that the easy part is over (yes, that was the easy part) you will need to research SEO or Search Engine Optimization.

@Mike Mitchell Techniques such as direct mail, craigslist ads, networking with realtors, pay-per-click, search engine optimization, and bandit signs (check your local area to see if they are legal).

What would be the all included (engineering, permits, materials, labor,...)sqft construction cost on a $/sqft basis for the such a project excluding land?

I'm kind of debt averse, especially since I will already have two mortgages.I am planning to go with a rental management company so I don't have to deal with the hassle of managing it since I am a full-time software engineer.

I am not handy at all (software engineer: great at building software suck at anything physical) so I think I should probably utilize a rental management company.Thanks again for your kindness and patience with a rookie just trying to soak up any of your knowledge I can to become a seasoned vet in a few years!

I do Civil Engineering and we have a client that we processed a lot split for 20 years ago.

Recent mechanical engineering grad from Colorado State University, just started my big boy job in May and have been saving 30% of my income for the down payment on my first rental property.  

As someone with an Construction and Engineering Management Degree as well, I agree with Dave and Brad.

I'm a former engineer looking for a career change and I've decided to go head into REI.