Recently the EMD has been a topic as the seller was requesting that it be placed before myself and the property manager walked through an additional time (to be the eyes and ears for the seller as there was an eviction post my initial walkthrough).The EMD establishes the firm date which is contingent upon the receipt of all documents including the title policy and survey (both of which are outstanding at the moment).

If my estimated numbers are accurate, I could pay above market value in order to motivate them to sell to me and still turn a profit when assigning to a builder.I was also thinking that maybe asking a simple few questions, like a survey would be a good approach. 

The american community survey (annual census) is a great resources to start with.The data can be viewed at a rather granular level, so studying individual neighborhoods is possible. 

Keep in mind that you have now received the commitment, and if you've also received the exception documents and survey (if provided for in the contract), then your time frame for objections has begun.

BUYING MY OCEAN FRONT DREAM  this cold weather is getting me restlessI started surveying the internet  searching all the cities near the ocean in south Florida didn't want to be too far from south beach which was way beyond my budget.

Additionally, Most recent surveys are showing rental rates at the highest rates ever.

Call a surveying company and get a survey.Welcome to harris county auction! 

I survey units that are available nearby, and emphasize that if they were to look at the rentals that are available nearby that my unit with the increase is STILL a better value to the tenant.

6) Do a market survey (call around) to PMs in the targeted area and see what kind of rates they offer?

Keep in mind even if your survey comes back to a high house value if the tenant has low income your HA will request you drop the requested amount or tenant will not be able to afford unit.