Firstly, I would look into any local real estate investing groups in your area.

Anyone with local knowledge of subdividing properties who might be willing to share some advice?  

Are you attending your local REIA's?

@Jacqueline Lee, I highly recommend you find a local REIA group to you.  

Also this is a virtual deal, so going to a local REI meeting is out of the picture

As a local investor in San Diego myself who used to invest in the Midwest...the low prices can be very enticing but make sure you really know the market first and what you are getting into before pulling the trigger...when you are out of state you are at a disadvantage as properties can differ quite heavily from block to block. 

I would suggest networking locally to get entrenched in the real estate market.

Attend the local REIA meetings and join the FB groups

@Cliff Durrett  - thanks   1) family  2) friends  3) reitement account loan 4) personal loan from your bank 5) leverage a car  ( unlikely to obtain from a bank or credit union )  6) local bank / credit union 

Educate yourself on the local market, network with other investors and agents, and always have a solid plan in place before making any investments.