I told the seller's agent today on the UST that the seller needs to do a GPR survey (ground penetrating radar survey) to properly document the tank is no longer buried.

I ordered the survey (in writing) 2 weeks ago.I called today and they can't even find the file.

However, an attorney need not be physically present at the closing (2002 Formal Ethics Opinion 9 (02 FEO 9)).The North Carolina State Bar determined that a non-attorney is engaged in unauthorized practice of law if performing various functions related to a residential real estate closing, including, among others: (1) providing an opinion as to title of real property, (2) explaining the legal status of title to real property, (3) giving advice about the parties' rights and responsibilities concerning matters disclosed by a land survey, (4) providing opinions or advice regarding the parties' legal rights and obligations, (5) advising parties with respect to alternative ways for taking title to the property, (6) drafting legal documents, (7) recommending a course of action to a party under circumstances that require the exercise of legal judgment, and (8) attempting to settle a dispute between the parties that will have implications with respect to their legal rights or obligations (APAO 2002-1).However, a nonlawyer may: (1) present and identify the documents necessary to complete a residential real estate closing, direct the parties where to sign the documents, and ensure that the parties have properly executed the documents and (2) receive and disburse the closing funds.

We sold it 2 months later, because they wanted environmental surveys and other things done.My second building I bought 2 years ago and have been waiting for a buyer or tenant ever since.  

LEGAL Preliminary Title Report Underlying Title Documents Summary of Pending or Active Legal Issues Parcel Map/Site Plan/Elevations All CC&R Documents ALTA Survey - Historical & UPDATED.

One builder wants me to survey the land and the architect told me it wasn't necessary.

And if it is residential then, as someone else mentioned, at least 3-4 months of tax and insurance escrow is usually required by lenders, plus in addition to the points and loan fees, the bank will require an appraisal and possibly a survey.

An engineer or architect with a survey can tell you where and how to build your home without too much issue.

Reasons why they don't close: 1. borrower doesn't tell the whole story 2. lender fails to ask questions 3. property in bad condition or C class and doesn't appraise for sale price 4. borrower believes it can rent for a lot more than the market shows 5. property weird/ancient crumbling/not habitable 6. title clouds...Here is what you need to start to work with for DSCR at many "shops":Loan amount above $110000, your mortgage FICO 680 middle, no forbearance/ no mortgage lates, market rent survey and rental agreement more than cover the PITI, you have a written quote for insurance, you have reserve money in your checking account, the down and closing costs are in your checking account, you have the vesting ready to go, property is not a rehab and is ready to rent, your lender broker has been in the business more than six years and can quote all the terms and ins and outs needed. 

I certainly would not purchase this property if I did not expect continuing rent appreciation as it is detached duplex (two tenants are typically twice the work of one) and the current cash flow is too low for me to justify the effort.So far the extent of our value adds has been rehabs with potentially adding bathrooms.I have significant confidence of continued rent increases over the next few years at least: 1) rents lag property appreciation. 2) vacancy rate is real low. 3) cost to add more than ADU is high - it coasts around $100K to break ground for residential in San Diego (permits, surveys, etc.). 4) Minimum wage increases already approved.  5) one of the best weather climates in the US.  6) rising population: one recent study had San Diego as 13 highest population increase of large US cities.  7) geographically constrained: Constrained by Mexico to the South, Pacific to the West, Camp Pendleton to the North, and the East quickly gets harsh.  8) good and varied employment: Hard to manage a employment category melt down that could impact the range of employment in San Diego.  9) environmentally diverse from mountains to desert to beach to happening urban center.This weekend I plan to send 2 rent increase notices.