As stated by others, spend the extra money and have them truck in some extra soil to make it not look like a box in the middle of the property. 

As far as septic, the cost will depend on the soil conditions.

If this is an infill single family parcel in South Philly, chances are the soils are fine and is really a matter of confirming the zoning and ensuring there are no deed restrictions.

I have also been looking for investment property in Amherst and was just advised to stay away since I was reminded that many of the properties there are in jeopardy of having major foundation issues due to the "peanut butter" texture of the clay soil of Lake Tonawanda that the houses were built on....I've done a bit of research on the issue as I'm looking for my first and not wanting to get in too deep. 

Unfortunately, it seems that I may need to replace all the carpets upstairs since it has black lines on the edges due to soil filtration (previous owners didn't clean their air filters often).I'm feeling very optimistic right now, but have spent a whole week just trying to decide on a good value LVP so I can replace the 1st floor...

Hi All, I am getting deployed soon to a place where it's hot and sandy, and I will be gone for 10-12 months.

Hi @Madeline J.Your first question is more geological and relating to climate change so let me tackle that first.The soil and rock underneath the Miami area is mostly Coral Rock, which is porous and is beneficial for quick drainage during hurricane season.

Quote from @Sandy G.

Morning Bill from the banks of the Columbia River we dodged the tsunami :)  the opposite is true regarding Texasyou will have roof issues you will have weather issues in many areas you will have serious soil foundation issues and Tax's will go up and are very high.. what your describing of course is a poster child for why you must look at all angles of a Market your describing landlord heaven when it comes to on going maintenance and a state with No income tax like Texas and some of lowest property tax's in the US so when you add those all up the market you describe you can PAY more for the asset and in the long run come out just as well if not far ahead.. 

Here they are in order of adjusted return:Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, GA (29.76%)Kansas City (22.4%)Pittsburgh (21.08%)Tampa, St.