Does anyone utilize a checklist when taking calls from prospective sellers in order to maintain consistency and gather only the needed preliminary information? 

However, you'll probably have a some sticker shock when you see the fees and the timelines.

usually you get the preliminary title report with in 3 days of opening escrow,why was the liens not discovered then ,but so late into escrow?

Here is some preliminary information I received (I don't think anyone would mind me sharing this):  "Our current RF meter prices (only offered to our submetering service partners) are $65 for interior application and $95 for exterior applications.

I'm shocked at how that conversation went.

Since moving out here I am running my numbers like I did before and making offers with nothing sticking.I watch houses as they sell and am shocked what people are paying. i have turned to off market deals and bought my first list to go after.

With more than 40,000 in the Metroplex proper.People in other areas would be shocked if they saw our construction rates.I know some of the small communities around here that are similar to the following...10,000 population200 homes being built a month.400-1000 new apartments in development about to start construction.While that number of apartments might be needed within the next 3 years it might take to years to absorb them.It is the same in the high end areas.  

Question,   should I put the money up to have it surveyed and create a preliminary planned development?

@Yakima L coles you definitely want to skip trace the owner and call them.There's no telling what's going on with the owner or why the property is vacant, but I wouldn't be shocked if you skip traced them and found out the owner had died.  

If I were to create a graph or chart that shows out of 10 possible candidates to hire, and show the amount that have a drug or alcohol problem, you would be shocked.