I left the field of architecture to pursue a career in RE Development.

To simplify my post I'm asking how to develop my buyers list? 

I was approached by a realtor/broker/developer to do a larger storage project. 

Eventually I would like to generate enough passive income to retire.

@Shanae Williams have a game plan for your rehab timeline and exit strategy and follow it strictly.A lot of people buy their first house as an "eventual investment property," get comfortable, end up staying there for years and never make it a rental property like they initially intended.Great idea if executed properly.

Anyone have knowledge of these type developments?

$20m development articleI both live and have invested in this neighborhood. 

As for the zoning references above, contact your local county's planning and development or zoning office to discuss what their process for finding out the zoning and then possibly changing the zoning on a location you are looking to buy.

See the attached linkhttp://city.milwaukee.gov/AreaPlans/NearWest.htm#....Some of the local bigger players/companies  supporting the project are Harley Davidson, Miller Coors, Marquette HS, Marquette university, Aurora Health care and  West End Development Corporation.

That's a good start while you have W-2 income, and it will start you developing a knowledge base for managing a property and also start creating a track record of your performance.