Doing Due Diligence on an old Gas Station?

[Zachary Gilula]

Hi everyone,

I'm evaluating the viability of a property that is an old gas station and I want to make sure I know everything related to it. It's been sitting vacant for up to 8 years and it's owned by the county because of unpaid taxes. I know the purchase price, but I have no idea what else I would need to spend to get this sell ready.

I've looked at the county records and can find various liens for weeds, rubbish, and nuisance, but I believe (not confirmed) there are environmental issues that is keeping everyone away from it.

How do I go about finding out if there are environmental issues to take care of and anything else that I would have to plan for in terms of rehab and outstanding issues? 

As a bonus, any suggestions on how to go about finding buyers for a property like this? It's in a high traffic area on a corner lot in an increasing metro area.

Thank you!