What is the process for finding retail space in a growing, residential area with undeveloped land?
I am looking to start a brick and mortar business in an emerging part of a suburb of large city. In the specific area I am looking at I have found multiple plots of land for sale that have site plans containing the retail space I am looking for. Are these site plans simply suggestions for prospective buyers to consider? I don't want to sit and wait with the possibility that another owner of a similar business could get an inside track on leasing space.

Should I contact the listed land broker to express interest as a tenant so he can pass my information along to the buyer/developer?

Should I be contacting a commercial real estate agent to get more information about the area?
[{"id": "ddo3rcu", "text": "Hire a broker.   ", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ddo3z50", "text": "Where are you doing this in Texas? I am south of Austin in San Marcos. Fastest growing area in the nation", "replies": [], "depth": 1}, {"id": "ddoabcm", "text": "Work with an agent. He will qualify you and basically figure out if it is worth his time or not to continue to work with you. He may also have some connections on getting an SBA loan. ", "replies": [{"id": "ddowut9", "text": "Thanks for the suggestion. ", "replies": [{"id": "ddoza1d", "text": "Good luck. Starting a business is tough. If you are concerned with speed to market, you may want to try an existing building, since it will take about a year for those planned pads to get developed. \n\n", "replies": [{"id": "ddqilwf", "text": "Thanks and I completely agree that starting a business is tough but nothing great in life comes easy!\n\nI'm not so much worried about speed to market, I just want to be the first in line to get the business up and running once retail spaces are developed. There are no other existing buildings in the area otherwise I would do just go that route.\n\nI talked with an agent yesterday. She basically did everything you mentioned. She was feeling out the legitimacy of my business plan. Offered up a few alternative suggestions for locations that are already developed in a neighboring community. And even gave me a contact to talk with regarding an SBA loan. Thanks again for the suggestion. ", "replies": [{"id": "ddql727", "text": "An agent, as in your agent or the building's agent? Does this agent only work in the commercial arena or do they sell houses too? There are specific nuances to each asset class, therefore you should only engage a broker, who specializes in Commercial Retail and NO ONE ELSE. Also remember to engage an attorney once you go to Lease Documents, not just any attorney an attorney whose practice is Commercial Real Estate. These two things will make the process go infinitely smoother. I promise.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]