The need for a cost-effective decision-making process is increasingly seen as a challenge within modern family practice. The role of family practice research is well recognized in countries with readily available resources and capacity. However, the situation is different in a number of countries with limited financial resources and current low research capacity. This article reports on an empirical model of 10 steps developed and applied in Crete, Greece. It aims to exchange views on how to better design and undertake actions in order to develop future family practice research in countries with limited resources.