I guess about the only thing that would worry me the most would be that if you add to the existing building, and if the city code has changed since after the initial build, then they are gonna want you to make all the necessary changes to the existing portion of the pemb.

Southern border of the land is Wilson Creek (a large, well established, full time creek with old growth trees)Approx 1 acre of non-recoverable flood zone along length of creekTwo small ponds on the property, which can be filled in to utilizeSmall neighborhood to East of property line with utilities ready and available for project Currently a couple of older homes and barn structures on property (100% liveable and well maintained)Wilmeth Rd is currently expanding down the block to a 4 lane road which connects to Highway 75 in McKinneyLarge developments are underway within a 1/2 mile to 3 miles out radius<4 miles to Costco, ChickFilA, WholeFoods, Cinemark, major hospitalAT&T Fiber and Atmos Gas at front of propertyA water well can be run, if desired, or tap into the city's water (currently on city water and has large main at front of property)A CE firm has drawn up plans for a small, 12 home, 3/4 acres development.

Do I need to contact the city of Chicago to have the water shut off or is this something I can do myself? 

For 18 months, my company will have me rotating between Houston, TX; Midland, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; and Pittsburgh, PA, covering both my housing and car expenses.Goals & Investment Strategy:My goal is to save aggressively over this period to build a strong financial foundation for real estate investing.

If you have not already before you get into the weeds on a plan you would want to talk to your city buildings dept to make sure you can even subdivide the property to add more units. 

single family homes in the city are a relative bargain right now, depending on school district...

However, the Most alarming thing is they have allowed the water bill (they pay for all utilities, but the city bills the water to me) to mount over $2k over the last several months.

Most of them are in a flood zone, but they didn't flood back in 1979 when most of the city was under water.  

Hey team, I want to know my options being a Canadian citizen if I can buy real estate near my border city Detroit, MI.

Should I wait until I’ve purchased the property, or start once I’ve decided on the target market and city?