Knowing regulatory processes and completing due diligence is crucial in development. Regulatory processes change every where you go, every level of municipality may have something specific that may prevent your project from reaching the development stage. Knowing your area, and the codes and regulations is a crucial part of the predevelopment analysis process. One thing I have been learning recently at my company is that it is very undesirable to purchase land that has not already been rezoned into a single-family use in the DFW area, it is a very tedious and time-consuming process that is often frustrating and simply not worth the time it takes. However, in an area Like Houston, there is no zoning so that is not an issue, however flooding regulations are much more and developments will not be approved without a proper drainage plan and detention in place. Knowing your area, and municipalities can eliminate unfeasible projects form the start. While knowing potential future infrastructure plans such as new major thoroughfares can turn an average deal into a great one.