Originally posted by @Edward Rife:Anybody know of a investor friendly realtor in southern illinoisWhat part of So. IL

From the pics it looks pretty clear.What kind of soils do you have there? 

Sandy Thomas317.693.4382 call or [email protected] 

I fear they will be taking a financial hit.You are in Houston where there is very expansive soil.  

I have a fondness in my heart for them because my western european ancestors, when they stepped foot on this soil, were illegals by today's standards.  

It took 12 loads ($2,160) .Edit: Getting sand is a very cost effective way to reduce price than dirt.

Lot slopes and trees can mess up your day as well as soil quality and proximity to waterways.3) Permits and what order those permits are required4) Budgets - the more accurate you can be before you spend, the less hair you will pull out.5) Financing schedule - getting the money isn't so hard as spending it properly.

After Sandy the town did mitigate the taxes on a flood damaged home and also utility companies removed meters although we had electric and water (no gas) but those properties were not habitable.

Of course this was just before Sandy and I'm sure he's been busy as hell since.

I don't have any recomendations for books, but can provide the following from previous experience: look into highest and best use, check with zoning on number of units per land size, get a soils report, geo report, check with fire department on number of fire hydrants needed and make sure to have existing pressures tested to confirm new hydrants will have proper pressure, and of course speak with zoning/planning.