Water and sewage main laterals are all at the street running perpendicular to the lots, Power/Internet lines as well. 

He is going to give me power of attorney to handle it... any tips?

@Ryan Yu, a cash out refinance after a 1031 exchange can be a powerful tool to make your 1031 simple. 

Look for properties with high tension power lines over it.  

You really want to be dealing directly with the mother, or a person with Power of Attorney.

Currently I had borrowed 12.5k to consolidate credit card debt and I can borrow up to 23k. 2) Would it be wise to roll this into my home mortgage so I can get the tax break for the interest and allow for more borrowing power from a credit union?

Real estate's super-power is not cash flow, its long term wealth.

I'd only look at land that's at least connected to water and power and already has a septic plan in place.

Many jurisdictions will not record a subdivision plat until you've put in (or bonded) the infrastructure (power, sewer, water, roads, etc). 

It is a very simplistic way to get people to understand the power of investing.