Looking to start developing relationships with general contraxtors in the Indianapolis, Indiana area. 

Buy a few with any non-essential cash as a way to diversify, and as you keep an eye on rents, development, and mortgage rates - begin to figure out how you might finance construction.      

Plus my initial thoughts for purchasing were strictly for a rental eventually, and I'm in a great A location next to so many things, and Portland has already started spreading out where I am and developing the area for huge growth. 

As Sean mentioned, it is so important to do the due-diligence, run the numbers, develop and use your network to assist in the process. 

Real estate investment is a quantity game. 

I was trying to consider some factors that may come into play - from what I understand you can put as little as ~3.5% down under an FHA loan - will it be more beneficial for me to put "more skin in the game" with the largest possible down payment I can make (say, closer to 10-15%)?

We are the last major metropolitan area to get one of these centers - and it's the largest economic development project to happen in Birmingham in YEARS.

How to get in touch with wholesalers, acquire foreclosures and get insights about developing areas.

I am interested in how you get “started” in real estate development.

I have somewhat of a game plan and outline of what I'm wanting to do.