But for SFH gut jobs we spend around 55 to 65 a sqft and for new construction we spend 85 to 100 a sqft.

What you are left with is to make the land useable you might be spending 200k to 300k an acre leveling it versus 50k for minor topography corrections.

There should be better ways to spend your money in or around your area that you are searching.

unless you have to spend the first 10 years paying $230/month against the line of credit you used to make the down payment.Where the money comes from is not important.  

"If I had it to do all over again, I would not spend all the time in school that I did. 

If you don't want to spend the cash going that route then search for hotel management company or hotel development company in your area on google.  

I would spend a few minutes looking at each property on realtor.com.

I ski a ton, spend a lot of time outdoors and have a great girlfriend and social network.

I am looking for a mentor, not looking to share profits(unless I have some skin in the game), otherwise I am willing to do some of the day to day stuff that you don't want to spend your time on. 

Learn proper saving habits and spending habits to help ease the process.