Priscilla Z, lawyers advantage or island title have horrible settlement costs.

@Chris MasonsHey Chris, i have not worked in New Jersey, primarily Long Island.

I am trying to follow your post but it is a little confusing for me.There is land where two old house were torn down.Did you own this land as the current owner tearing down the buildings OR you are buying this under contract??

So I vote RV off the island... opinions very...

Be careful about terms.You might be talking about a trust where there is land involved.

i'm all for people reaching their goals.and yes, 17k is a good amount of money...and i'd hate to see someone attempt to buy property in or near NYC, with only 17k in the bank and watch it all go right out the window.to me, you've got to move where the market is improving and where it is affordable.surely NYC and long island is not the ideal place to START.now if your 17k was 170k - then we're talking.

notice the "$XX,XXX"...i think mike is located in Ohio.you might be able to make an $XX,XXX offer - but if you're located in say, Long Island NY - you're offer will have to be $XXX,XXX for starters...also - if you're in a place where the market was very good, sellers (about 95% of them) will be expecting A LOT more than what you'll be willing to buy it for.talking to the owners in person is definitely a good way - like mike said - once you've established the ballpark price you'll pay - otherwise, letters and driving to houses is a waste of your time, gas and ultimately - money - cuz it all breaks down to money either way.in my experience - letters of intent are a waste of time, especially if you're sending them to real estate agents.

I spent just over a week visiting the south island about 18 months ago.

Could anyone give me some of their recommendations if they know of any most preferably in Long Island, thanks.

No comment on the specific Dubai opportunities.I do want to point out the image above shows man made islands with 100's of residential units (sometimes 1,000's).