Does anyone know why in the NE plumbers insist on gas and water being hardpiped right to water heaters and boilers,   while on the earthquake coast easier to use and change flexible piping is actually required?

You can look up active licensed civil/structural engineers by going to the TX board of Professional Engineers website. https://engineers.texas.gov/roster/pesearch.htmlNow, keep in mind that not all civil PE are the same... sub-disciplines of civil engineering includes engineers who specialize in material science, coastal, earthquake, environmental, water resources, geotechnical, structural, transportation, etc... 

Real estate crash is like an earthquake with multiple epicenters.

And it's a good thing, because the flexibility of the wood frame makes them support the changes in the soil (dry summer, wet winter, earthquake, landslide,...).

However, I know the Arizona Association of Realtor's purchase contract has the following section: "Risk of Loss: If there is any loss or damage to the Premises between the date of Contract acceptance and COE or possession, whichever is earlier, by reason of fire, vandalism, flood, earthquake, or act of God, the risk of loss shall be on the Seller, provided, however, that if the cost of repairing such loss or damage would exceed ten percent (10%) of the purchase price, either Seller or Buyer may elect to cancel the Contract." 

Clearly, real estate prices would be depressed at that time much as they are in Fukishima from the earthquake/tsunami nuclear meltdown.

If the property was marked/pinned when surveyed, 3-years of weather should not have (re)moved the marks ... unless that weather included earthquakes ;-)If the lot is being advertised/sold as being surveyed and marked, then you should be able to make the case for it to be delivered as such.If the property is being sold as a building lot, I would make my offer conditional on satisfactory soil testing (including perc and mantle)If the owner is not selling it as a building lot (ie. woodlot, agricultural, etc), then it is generally up to the buyer to ensure the land is suitable for their intended use (particularly if they are changing use).

.* Keep in mind that most policies do not automatically provide coverage for flood or earthquake damage. 

In CA the discussion may be Earthquake or WIldfire limitations.   

Popular areas include: Little Havana; mid-Miami Beach; Hollywood; Little Haiti; Westchester (mostly duplexes).