Based on the value of a property you can likely get away with a inexpensive desk top study such as condos and you will require a more comprehensive engineering study for larger properties like a 4plex.Desktop / modeling options are sometimes good for smaller residential like you mention. 

It would be overwhelming to pay for advanced training in a high-performance, sophisticated, multi-engine fighter jet when you're still trying to land the airplane safely.

I'm a full-time active real estate investor (former engineer) in Edmonton with 32 doors, and another 24 under contract.

Condos are starting to get condemned, which means people are having to vacate units.I'm telling you right now, I'm a JD (not a practicing attorney) in Florida whose business is being an insurance expert for carriers, working with engineers. 

Once we have platted lots all engineering details are done . 

A college student getting an engineering degree should consider different approaches, even if he decides to deploy some/all of the inheritance in real estate, than a high school dropout working a minimum wage job. 

In my first stint in real estate, I thought reinvesting in the business was keeping the marketing engine running.

if the timber is merch  you should get a mill in there to bid on the timber.. hire a logger.. profit you use to knock the stumps out.your civil engineer should be giving you a preliminary cost to do infrastructure normally they will do these for free since they will be designing it all.. they would be the best bet anyone on line is simply  a WAG  

Probably requires surveyor, and engineer.

Imagine you bought a property for $2M.The land (excluding any structures) is valued at $400K.Since land is not depreciable in the eyes of the IRS, we subtract the land value from your purchase price to get your depreciable basis.Your depreciable basis is simply where a cost seg engineer starts from when allocating your eligible assets into either 5, 7, or 15 year property.In the scenario above, your starting basis would be $1.6M since your basis = your purchase price - the land value.Having an accurate land value is essential to getting your depreciation/bonus depreciation calculations right.This is the starting point for any cost seg study that you do.