Also, I would love to connect with local investors , agents, property managers and contractors  because i do believe that networking and building good relationships  is one of the key components of success, in any industry.

At until you are able to have the property inspected to determine the current condition and usable life expectancy of all major components and appliances.  

So my question is besides legal, title and environmental inspection, what other contingencies would you require, and if we're "all in" on the deal, is there a danger to agreeing to a high DD fee to try to win the deal?

I will see what I can't do to figure out the restrictions on Historic structures, as that could be a huge component of the demolition app. 

You could be on the hook for the cost of environmental cleanup.You need legal representation from an attorney with experience in gas stations.

@Jack Tucker - A few things about gas stations that you need to keep in mindLenders will require that a Phase 1 and\or 2 be performed to ensure there are no environmental issues.  

When I include the personal tax component, finding a property with a positive cash flow seems almost impossible...Thanks.

I'd also do a LBP self test and maybe even a phase I environmental depending on the building.

The buy and hold rental business comes very easily to me and will be a component, but now life is a bit different as I have a committed girlfriend.

You won't be able to get a permit and if you don't have a permit you are going to get cited and lose in the environmental "court"