They did a full investigation and then slapped the company with a $500 penalty on top of the filing fee.

The title company then investigated the matter and told me their underwriter is also refusing to insure the title since there was potential fraud involved.

After thorough investigation I found out that a water heater bust caused the fire.

I will have to investigate a little more and maybe do airdna or some site that tracks the metrics.

You have to investigate if there are any other first liens on the property that get first rights.

I run the preliminary numbers using the pictures online to make a guess about rehab cost, make an offer with a home inspection contingency, put up some cash for escrow and walk through the home with your home inspector.

My advice is to hire the architect for Construction Administration so that you get a quality project and they handle all the issues that come up.Possible questionsWhat kinds of preliminary investigation report do you need to begin design: geotechnical report, wetland biologist report, ALTA survey, title report, etc?

The one I just put up today has 15 people coming tomorrow and just the preliminary screening on them shows 8-10 quality applicants.

I was trying to get an estimate of the monies I need to bring to closing but the preliminary HUD 1 doc with the closing cost estimates from the title company had several mistakes and was way, way off, seller's costs in buyer's column and more. 

There are a few phone numbers that I have found, but have not called yet, so I could still investigate calling her as an option.