Also, someone who can go appear at appraisals and surveys on your behalf. 

After hearing about this potential issue I had a survey ordered, as I would not have proceeded with the purchase if my house was encroaching on another property. 

That provides enough time for financing, surveys,  environmental, inspections, etc.

@Dallas KiddBought 18 acres and paid to have the property surveyed, twice.

The building site was properly surveyed and the new structure was deemed "above the flodoplain".

Survey the market for current listings to get a feel for the areas you're exploring. 

proceed with survey/petition/subdivide ...... and if the subdivide goes well, do I sell off the land and pay the house off?...

I had to get a current survey map created even though they were identical to those on file, but I understand why they needed their ducks in a row.

From what it sounds like, it is one single tax parcel and you would need to go through the process of surveying, platting and subdividing through the city. 

by the way, last year I lost out on two deals by being too inquisitive and transparent up front.One REO deal had contract signed with FNMA, and I ordered a survey because a neighbor's fence did a zigzag and I wanted to know why...didn't have to could have waited since it was cash.