Using Vagrant for the development environment is preferred. If you could post the errors you get maybe we can help you out.
Also I am not really sure of what you are trying to do - you would need to install Vagrant & Virtualbox on your machine FIRST. Ubuntu is automatically installed when you run the provisioning script. Have a look at the Flarum skeleton app.
Incase you really need an alternative to vagrant, have a look at - http://bit.ly/1IBgWAs
Follow the instructions along the red line.