For a couple of weeks now, I have had this idea stewing in my head. I am totally ignorant, in many ways actually, but specifically regarding how much it will cost to develop my idea into a working business.

I want to eventually build 3-story apartment buildings for a new complex in an area that is not only nearly saturated in terms of occupancy, but in which I know, without any question, property management companies are creating my customer base daily. At this time, my potential customer base is around 10,000. Many of those will own their own homes, but my strong suspicion is there are at least 5% of that number who would need to rent an apartment without the risk of wasting application fees due to a particular genre of felony from their past. The eventual goal for this complex would be at least 240 units, some 1-br and others 2-br, and few 3-br. However, I would start small -- perhaps 3 12-unit buildings.

I know the value this project would have to the state, the residents, the local community, to law enforcement, community supervision and, yes, to myself. What I don't have the slightest clue about is where to begin looking for ways to fund the project. I am by no means rich, perhaps I never will be. But, I know the need exists and I want to fill that need. It's more important for this project to succeed than I can tell you.

I know any investor is going to want to see detailed business plans and drawings for the project's design, but I certainly can't afford to hire an architect to draw up a layout.

In short, I am in the same position as a man who needs badly to relieve himself and has no pot to catch the stream. :(

I don't even know how much to divulge about my dream because of the possibility I will end up becoming a competitor with someone I told about it.