Someone started bushhogging and surveying two parcels beside each other a couple of days ago (one of them being the one I have the tax deed for).

Clear office, Sheriff’s office, and law firm associated literally didn’t provide any information. 

Any social groups which are associated with it, etc?

And you've joined one of the best communities for all things real estate investing.1️⃣ Download this ultimate beginner’s guide: https://assets2.biggerpockets.com/uploads/user_file/file_object/1694/UBG_2018.pdf2️⃣ Read BP beginner books on investing: https://store.biggerpockets.co...Also read, Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki3️⃣ Subscribe to BP podcasts or YouTube channel and watch their webinars. 4️⃣ Ask questions here on the forums.5️⃣ Visit (join) a local (and legit) real estate investment association.6️⃣ Consider joining a BP bootcamp: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-investing-bootcampsI wish you all the best in your investing journey!

Lenders will lend the lower of the amount between LTC and LTV.Do you require an appraisal and survey?

I am also in the engineering field (Civil and Land Survey).

Local Real Estate Investor Associations (REIA's) also are a great place to network and find a mentor or someone to walk you through getting started.

There is a monthly fee associated for this but if the tenant is serious you can offer it to them at cost.

I would also add that you join your local REIA chapter (Real Estate Investor Association) as it will allow you to network with other STR owners and get more location-specific information. 

Managing tenants is probably the most frustrating task of all the task associated with owning rental property.