Any recommendations (books to read, websites, etc.) for someone looking to get started in real estate development?  

After developing your "personal touch" and adding experience you'll be able to hone in on your desired approach.

@Blake BroomerWelcome fellow Pennsylvanian.It also depends on what activity that you are doing, flipping, buy and hold, rehabs, wholesale, commercial, development, etc.There are tax implications, as well as liability issues, and anonymity also.The PA Dept of State has an online file that you can check to see if the proposed name is in use.In most cases I'd recommend that the entity name not contain either you first or sur names.In any event, the best advise would be to contact a PA attorney to help decide the type of entity, your planned work and possible other parties involved. 

I suppose this has to do with developing criteria you can trust enough.

The entire property has development potential and is just on the border of the war zone of town.  

Most lenders will require the "live in the home for one year" in order to qualify for their programs, but there are some instances where you can develop a relationship with a local back, show them the numbers if they are rock solid, and try to work a deal.

What do you say, how do you approach, how do you develop a good business relationship with such an owner?

They take time to develop.

Personally, I have been looking hard into the suburban areas surrounding (particularly single family homes) due to the low crime and development of new businesses.  

We went live after 2 years of development 3/21/2015 and have signed up 6 companies so far.