I'm thinking about building a house in a state I don't live in. How do I do this?

I plan to use the house 3 or 4 times a year, like a vacation house. How do I deal with routine maintenance and yard duties when I'm not there? I may rent the house also. Is there a good reference site that will give me information on upkeep on investment property or second houses you don't live in the majority of the time?

It is not an easy task if you have to deal with selling your present home. Ifyou don't have to sell and your new home is going to be rented out and you are going to use it also it shouldn't be as difficult. I'd say the # 1 most important thing to do is get an excellent realtor to use as a Buyer's Representative.You will not need to pay anything to them as most of the time the seller pays their commission as a finder's fee. He/She will represent only you and put you in touch with reputable local builders, banks and lawyers and rental realtor reps.. Do all of this in the new location because they know the laws and requirements for building. Once you have your finances, property and builder all lined up the broker will coordinate things and set up meetings for you. You will not have to make too many trips if your rep, lawyer, bank and builder can work together and know what their doing. If you are building in a gated community of sortsThe Homeowner's Association will know what to and will also help with the zoning etc. Your builder will take the reigns from that point on and tell you exactly what you need to do step by step. If there is a mortgage somewhere in this pocess your loan officer will take care of your finances. Your lawyer will be your representative for all contracts etc. Make sure you have a good email system that can accept, photos, contracts, floorplans and other legal documents. You'll need access to a fax for signing things and returning them immediately if necessary. You can also use overnight express mail service.
Just a suggestion --we are presently using REMAX Realty to help us in a similar situation.They are outstanding.

Our computer has been our most valuable asset! :)

Good luck! You'll do fine.It will get pretty hectic at times. Just make an organized plan. Take time to do as much research as possible. Be patient & persistent.

Not easily. You should probably interview at least 3 builders that build in the area you're considering. Then check with the state on all three to see if there have been any complaints filed and not resolved. Once you've selected the builder, they should be willing to hold your hand through the entire process. You really should be on site regularly to make sure the plans are being followed. I would also interview three Realtors in the area, they can help you find renters when the house is finished. Or give you some idea who might help you with it. Renting when you live out of state is a risky business. Make sure that whoever you hire to rent the home out, does a background check, criminal check and financial check on prospective tenants.

I probably left a lot out, this isn't the forum for this. But I hope I've given you some assistance. Good Luck!

Assuming that you already own a property in that state, you will need to check on a variety of building restrictions. Start with the Zoning Department of the County (usually it's a part of the building and planning dept). See if the property is zoned for your intended use. Check with the city building department on the same issue. Various special districts may also exist with restrictions (environmental zoning to protect endangered species, etc...).
Getting a title history for your property would also be good. This will give you a list of "deed restrictions" (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions of public record) that can restrict building and use. Title Companies once provided this service in the Western States, but do not do so much any more. Look under Researchers, Abstractors, or Property Services in the yellow pages or contact a local title company or realtor for a referal.
If zoning restrictions exist you may have to apply for a zoning variance with the applicable public agency. In some cases, as with wetlands, this may involve mitigation of building and use impact through consevation banks.
In the case of ongoing easements or agreements affecting title, releases or judicial action might be required to release the recorded interests.
Builders will likely have much of this information, but may charge a hefty fee for the footwork that you can do yourself with an email or a phone call to the right city, state or county agency. Remember, everyone, including public agencies, are online now days, so use the internet as an empowering resource and tool to assess the viability of your idea.

Go to the state and purchase property then supplies and get a building permit and start building. And the specifics regarding blueprints, plumbing, foundation, eltrical, sewage, you get the point - just hire someone to build it for you