Isnt it figured by the livable space (each floor if applicable) and not just by the houses footprint?

The smaller/regional banks have a footprint far smaller than metro Atlanta.

Do you need environmental studies?

Any environmental issues that would have been found would have had to have been reported to the EPA and a timeline put in place for the remediation.

In my future real estate plans, I want to make my flips as environmentally friendly as possible, and that includes smart technologies (likes Nest thermostats and smoke alarms).

Municipal liens, property tax liens, environmental liens and federal tax liens are examples of exceptions.

There can be extremely expensive costs involved for buyers in meeting environmental regulations, etc.

If you can get that much, it is a factor, but have you had the building inspected (environmental, condition) to make sure you have good expense data?

The other major risks I have heard is environmental and IRS tax liens.

Look for simple designs: square or rectangular footprint, 2 story, moderately pitched roof, bathrooms in close proximity to each other for reduced plumbing costs.Drive by one of the big nationwide builders and look at their house designs, lots of 2 story boxes with simple roof lines.The only new construction project I've been a part of consisted of a Victorian house with round rooms and roof lines.