City water 200 yards away

If there’s a delay, it might make more sense to cancel or refund those bookings and use the time to get everything ready for a fresh start.Since it’s Joshua Tree and the peak season is winding down, it’s worth deciding if you want to jump in now or take some time to set things up for a solid relaunch.Good luck, and let me know if you need any more advice! 

Get pictures of every room, the electrical breaker box, water heater, furnace, each side of the house, the roof, the basement if there is one, inside and outside of the garage if there is one etc.If the seller doesn’t want you to come do a walk-through and take pictures due to concerns over COVID-19, then have the seller take pictures and send them to you.

They are coming to your property if you allow them or not (you cannot forbid service animals) Consider the facts: https://www.dogster.com/statistics/pet-travel-statistics-tre....Top 12 Pet Travel Statistics78% of American pet owners travel with their pets each year.54% of cat and dog owners plan to travel with their pet.58% of people would prefer to travel with their pet over a friend or family member.52% of travelers base their travel plans on accommodating pets.About 75% of luxury, mid-scale, and economy hotels allow pets.In 2019, a total of 404,556 animals were transported by airline.Nearly 64% of travelers prefer to travel with pets by car.42.9% of people look for a destination with hiking and fresh air for pet travel.Dogs make up 58% of the pets traveling around the world.37% of owners take shorter vacations because of their pets.10% of travelers have hidden their dogs to travel.27% of dog owners go the extra mile for their pets.

This helps keep me out of hot water with fairhousing. 

This year promises fresh opportunities in commercial real estate — and we’re here to help you navigate them.

I think THIS can be better than a 1031 exchange because the seller will start off with a fresh depreciation schedule in the new property.

The city required the road to be extended a few feet, along with water and sewer.

You also mentioned an unpaid water bill, so be sure to deduct any outstanding balance from that bill as well. 

I also see your point about avoiding bargain basement properties, especially insofar as tax shielding is easier with an asset of a reasonable size.Your point about barriers to entry is also interesting, since I suppose those barriers can be geography (natural boundaries of mountains/water), but you're probably referring to that which impedes future construction?