It is your broker that sets the environment in their office, go meet with different brokers and you can start getting a feel for their office and management style.

Some options that I'm considering and seem feasible after a bit of investigation at the city are-1-Subdivide and sell the lot (with or without entitlements)2-Create 2 new micro-lots and build 2 townhouse style homes to sell3- Subdivide and build a duplex to hold (no rent control on new construction = big plus in Oakland)4-Subdivide and build a single family home to sellThanks in advance for any ideas!

Every manager has their own style - doesn't necessarily make them a bad manager (though many other things do, ha).

I’m in my early 20s so even if I’m sacrificing some return now, I’ll likely still be fine as I have a long time horizon.

Getting CodeNEXT right gives Austin the opportunity to manage our growth responsibly by providing more diverse housing choices and more housing overall without sacrificing the unique character of our neighborhoods.”

Every niche and business style in between is available as well.  

If you are comfortable with a digital relationship, then the pool of qualified CPA's really opens up and you stand a better chance of finding someone who fits your style. 

Well I would not advertise on craigslist personally .... if you want to maximize profit.. and you want to take it to its HBUyou can partner with a Builder..so her is the logical progression1. consult with a very good broker that sells new construction in the area and get feedback as to what would be the best bet in style size and finish's2. talk with the realtor they will know the good builders by reputation.. find a VERY reputable builder.Normally a builder if you put up the lot  and allow a construction loan by either going in partners or selling the lot on a low down payment and subordinate your note to a construction loan will do the trick.builder can give you ball park on build cost IE 100 a foot 125 foot  200 ft whatever is common in your area.with the size of home and finishes your realtors suggests and backs up with comps and you drive the comps and new construction and go through them .. this will give you Idea of what you can build.. so you will at that point figure out that new construction is selling for 200 a foot finished.. your in the deal 150 a foot and your profit is 50 a foot.. you build 3k sq ft thats 150k in profit and the all in 150 a foot includes whatever price you put on the lot. then you split profits on whatever you can negotiate with the first rate quality builders.. now these deals have significant risk.. so the reward needs to be large to do that plus you have to look at tax.. you build out its ordinary income as opposed to probably cap gain if you just sell the lot as is now which of course has the least risk

We have been sacrificing by living with my parents for the past 8 months to save up money.

although we still see small townhouse condo types at 200k to 250k.. in high density apartment style living.