If developing, you will need a full team for entitlements and permitting (civil engineer, survey, architect, etc.).  

Nobody has a crystal ball and knows what the future holds, but if you want to introduce a partner/sell ownership interest its far easier if the property was originally owned as an LLC rather than in your personal name because selling membership interest in an LLC is far simpler than re-titling real estate. 

The liability is the LLC's regardless of membership.

They are very convincing, and I've been considering the $6k premium membership.

He will tell you, INTER ALIA, that you want inspection, financing, attorney review, title review, insurance, environmental, and survey review.Second, get a GOOD home inspector lined up.Third, get your banker lined up.THEN you can start looking.Also, keep in mind that backing out of a contract must relate to the contingency being used, and can only be triggered AFTER a good faith effort comply with/fulfill the contingency.

@Cory M.Depends what kind of banking you need, but after searching high and low state department federal credit union (with an American citizens abroad membership first, like 100 bucks) and capital one have worked best for me to avoid the nightmare you mention of trying to deal with US banks from outside the US.

It says it's Family Friendly on the website, I signed up and my membership is pending.

Nothing is charged until the trial ends and you have full control to end your membership at anytime before you are ever charged.

The Census ACS 5-year survey ought to help!

New to investing in the U.S but not new to the Real-estate .also..... is the bigger pocket pro membership worth it?