Good for you . .  . . .no reason to pay someone for something you can do. I like to work with guys that show you the actural bid of subs/material, that they pay. There are those that like to add on for their time handling the bill and such (lein waviors and such) - no way would I pay someone what amounts to $200 or more bucks an hour for something I can do for my time. I don't have any issue paying for hourly rates - and if there's a worthless person on the crew, he can make a choice to work or work elsewhere.
Good luck with your lot seeking . . . . have you check with local banks in your area of interest? Around here, there are several acreages the banks are sitting on . . . . . . .