Given the terrain here, it helps to have a builder who has a good engineer they work well with too.Then the buyer can put the property under contract and use the due diligence (inspection) period to get into more details and pay for tests such as the perk test/septic permit if needed, discussions and analysis from an engineer and the builder/architect to make sure all the extra build costs are known before closing on the land, have a survey done, and whatever else is desired.

You should probably do a semi formal rent survey on the area too.

I would dispute every  fee that was not originally disclosed at the old sales price except for  the survey fee, which is valid.  

The rental permit will require a survey on file, CO, etc.

At the time, I knew very little about Detroit or any of the 3 cities, but the idea was to survey these 3 markets that regularly rank as cities with the best rent-to-purchase ratios and decide where to start. 

Rising operating expensesSource: Marcus & Millichap 2009 Real Estate Investment Survey

If so, in your market, could the 2 parcels be valued at higher than the price you would buy the property for, less any surveying/subdividing/permitting costs?

After surveying rental prices in the area, we offered the townhouse for rent at $1,100.

They may also have a plat map or survey for the property which could show an easement to access your landlocked property.Next, call the county or city assessor or go on their website where they should have a property search function.

If you used the TREC contract form, you're allowed to object to certain title commitment and survey matters.