We did some landscaping to add curb appeal, but that was about it.What was the outcome?

The area curb appeal, rating of the nearby schools, and the existence of nearby public transportation and a nearby stop for it. 

At least that can help to possibly curb damages if the animals are causing those kind of problems.

Your PM needs to take responsibility for that contractor and kick him to the curb. 

There are plenty of good well paying jobs around, mostly factory but the work is here and close by although I’m new to the area (5 months) I’ve noticed some hot spots for crime, drugs mostly, but what confuses me is one block is decent, yards maintained, clean looking, nice curb appeal, but then you go a block down and it looks like a war zone.

This is a small project and should prove attractive to several banks if you are a qualified borrower.From a feasibility standpoint the first thing is to check with the city or county to determine what is required for all approvals including site plan and building permits, proffers, water/sewer tap fees, bonding requirements, inspections and CO process and time frame for all approvals.You mentioned utilities are in place but you need to need to check with the utility companies and get an idea of requirements to connect to the water, sewer, power, gas, cable, installation and connection requirements, tap fees, hookup charges, transformer location and relocation, power line and power pole relocation issues etc.Check to see if you have to install any manholes, fire hydrants, curb, gutter, sidewalks, street signs, street lighting any specific street design or access requirements,.Check DOT requirements for access, stop lights and permits, traffic studiesDWQ requirements for permits, permit fees, time framesThis is a broad overview of the process and your civil engineer can handle all of this but it's good for you to know exactly what's required.

Make it nice, have curb appeal, decorated nicely, ect. 

Curb appeal is important as well as amenities. 

Here is a quick high level summary of things you need to consider before you close the land.Check with the city or county to determine what is required for all approvals including site plan and building permits, proffers, water/sewer tap fees, bonding requirements, inspections and CO process and time frame for all approvals.You also need to check with the utility companies and get an idea of availability and cost estimates from them for water, sewer, power, gas, cable, installation and connection requirements, tap fees, hookup charges, transformer location and relocation, power line and power pole relocation issues.Check to see if you have to install any manholes, fire hydrants, curb, gutter, sidewalks, street signs, street lighting any specific street design or access requirements,.Check DOT requirements for access, stop lights and permits, traffic studiesDWQ requirements for permits, permit fees, time framesThis is a broad overview of the process and your civil engineer can handle all of this but it's good for you to know exactly what's required.

Check with the city or county to determine what is required for all approvals and the time frame, Ask if you have to install curb, gutter, sidewalks, street signs, street lighting or any other special requirements.Are there any specific street design requirements, DOT requirements, permits or traffic studies.DWQ, Army Corp or any other environmental requirements or permits.General permit fees, proffers, water/sewer tap fees and the process of setting taps and connecting.