My question is what is the best way to proceed.Do I first need to have the land surveyed and appraised before selling it?

In MI properties are mostly surveyed into townships, sections, and so forth so descriptions sound like: The NW quarter of the southern half of the eastern part of section 9 less a portion commencing 600 feet from the eastern boundary of .... blah blah.Anyway, when I got my tax bill, the county clerk sent me a note saying that she thought the description sounded incorrect and she drew a picture on a map of what the description showed and then what she thought I had actually purchased.

Good day- first verify your zoning situation You can do this here on Chicago website https://gisapps.cityofchicago.org/ZoningMapWeb/terms.htmlNext, get yourself an architect who is familiar working in Chicago area(if you need recommendations feel free to message me privately) make sure you bring a plot of survey when you meet up with the architect and have him draft a preliminary stage, this will get you a better idea of construction pricing.

They asked for my opinion on changes lately in a survey, I was dismayed by what I was seeing and let them know.

Issues with surveying-setbacks, easements, water and sewer mains and alignment, elevation and drainage come into play and are usually not considerations in rehabs or additions.

If everything is still a go at that point, then it makes sense to perform the physical inspections, surveys, contractor bids, etc.

It has been posted here a few times but the NATP (National Association of tax preparers) releases an annual survey of pricing for various services. 

It's also the best kind of rental survey.

Just a suggestion - it would be great if BP could actually put out some sort of legit but simple online survey on this question.

We want to learn about the impact BiggerPockets has made in our member's lives so we have created a ~5-minute survey.