Let's stay in touch. 

The back yard realistically would need to be cleared and graded, but we have a brook that runs through and cuts the yard in half so I figure we have to clear and grade the half that is closest to the house but the area that is beyond the brook can stay wild and woody.

Provided you stay the hell away from POHs.

I am working my way out of any HOA communities as you may be aware that the State of AZ has legalized STR's but HOA's may disallow them. 

We are planning on staying in this home for about 5 years.

While I'll probably never be everyone's "go to" investor when deals come up, how can I build a relationship with these individuals to where I might be higher on their list, when I only come in contact with these individuals when deals do come up and I am made aware of them, which isn't super frequent?

Stay away from this guy.

I think that's going to be tough for you ... there's plenty of great deals out where you live now I would suggest becoming an expert there ... or staying in Bergen County. 

Our developers are aware of this bug and are working to fix it.

I'd also recommend; - "The Richest Man in babylon" - George S Clason  - "The intelligent Investor" - Benjamin Graham  - "The 4-Hour Work Week" - Tim Ferris  - "Stay Mad for Life: - Jim Cramer Not real estate related but they offered different perspectives in business and finances.