Not necessarily a nightmare story but a example of an issue with our properties, on our second project which which was literally a hundred feet from our first we ran into soil issues and had to have an engineered footing which ended up doubling our foundation cost on our first duplex on the property.  

@Jonathan Gilkeson  absolute last place I would buy   buy and hold I small properties Is TEXASyou do not benefit from no state income tax.. property taxs are off the charts and soil conditions almost always assure you of major repairs in a given 5 to 10 year holdMany many other markets that are comparibale.. and do not have these inpediments I see Texas as a locals market so they can take advantage of no state income tax.

Originally posted by @Sandy Blanton:Wow, I love that Vette (and I never liked them at all until recent years).  

I havent heard of one in WI that requires more frequent pumping. yes no disposal, and advisable to have a filter on the washing machine discharge as well, and good idea to have them drop enzyme tabs monthly as well, but in all honesty, a good working system will work  20-40 years (average life expectancy) or longer with out any issues. around here a 3 bedroom system replacement (tank and drain field) runs around $5-$6K but a mound with clay soil can easily exceed $20K so lots of variables. 

Question is more about acquiring the skill.Demolish Concrete and put soil and Grass on sides and backyard2000Pest and Termite Work8500Gas Heater Replacement4500Asbestors Duct replacement1500Popcorn Ceiling with Asbestors scraping 2500Floor replacement7000Painting Interior2000Kitchen countertop change6400Appliances4000 (2x refrigerator,2x stove,1xdishwasher,washer & dryer)Minor Plumbing Leaks200WindowsReplacement(8x) 2400Toilets x2500Chimney3000Misc Repair1000Paint outdoor3500move water heater inside the house2000Replace two side doors 1000Thanks a lot for your time.

At the least, he would have to come back the next day to sand. I

Is lot rocky or sandy?

Do we seriously have to pay for a high dollar soil test prior to foundation? 

Are there any special assessments / local taxes/fees to be weary of from Sandy or in general?

Does anyone know if you need to have Soil testing done get an EIN or get a civil engineer to build an ADU on a property with an existing SFR?