Is it not reasonable that these improvements attract quality tenants and that health-conscious tenants/buyers would consider this a plus and be willing to pay a little extra?  

Look for properties that are undervalued or distressed, and have potential for improvement and increased income.Networking: Build relationships with local real estate agents, property managers, and other investors who may have knowledge of properties that are not yet on the market.Due Diligence: Carefully review all available information about the property and its financials, such as rent roll, income and expenses, occupancy rate, zoning, environmental and legal issues, etc.Closing: Coordinate with closing agents, attorneys, and other professionals to ensure that all the necessary documents are in order, and all contingencies are met before the closing date.

They could have sensors that detected me blowing on them (ie, the appraiser mentally took note, consciously or otherwise, of the race of the "homeowner," and that tainted the results).

Assume we make it through the process of subdividing, permitting, water/sewer/electrical hookups, environmental assessments, etc. and the parcels are ready to build on...Where can I find a soup-to-nuts explanation of how new home construction financing works?

For septic, you can call Environmental health. 

Environmental Protection Agency standards.Potential fines for violations could reach $10,000 annually.

Environmental Liability: If there are any environmental issues with the property (ie. underground tanks, prior spills, etc.) you should look into this coverageTwo other points:1. 

The seller applied for a permit with the county to get this rectified and got county approval but his application with the environmental department is being rejected.

In addition, car washes don't hold their land value that well because of the long term environmental impacts of the chemicals used on site.

Amenity for seller/buyerCost savings for large projectsCommercial and residential Environmental/ethical aspect In general I see movement towards electric and alternative energies and away from gas/oil.