I've filed a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's office (VRBO is based in Austin, TX) and also contacted the Chelsea Health and Safety Department, who have opened up a case and are investigating.

Thanks to BP I have preliminary neighborhoods ABC mapping and I put the stickers on my map. 

@Minkai Li You need to schedule a showing with the selling agent and take a contractor along with you for preliminary inspection.

I have to do some more investigation.

I am not sure if I need to concentrate on getting lot/ land first and then starting or if I start making a preliminary budget and analysis before acquiring land.

Often you have to sign an NDA, but on the other side is a preliminary deal room with actual financials, rent rolls, etc.  

Investigate a wrap around mortgage.I have used it on several occasions.

Give a local private investigator the name and last address for the owner, and they can usually find them within 24 hours.Sometimes you could just leave a note on the front door for the owner to find.

@Keith Thompson  have to correct you.one major component of title insurance is insuring access to a public right of way.. other wise you pre liminary title report will state the property is land locked.. right of way is not a gurantee.. 

I did some preliminary research on the city website, but I am hoping to find a contractor/developer who has done this sort of work in the past.