I can't speak to the costs in your area but $80-$150 isn't out of the ordinary.The best way is to educate yourself on the title process and laws and then head down to the recorders department and do the search yourself.

If that is the case I would get a site plan and go to the planning department to find out what their process is with approval.

Here's the detail on Pennsylvania regulation and a calculator:Pennsylvania title insurance rates are regulated by the PA Department of Insurance; therefore the title insurance premiums are the same with all title insurers.

Is it easy to work with the building department?

@Nikki Saya You wouldn't be the first person that the City planning department has caused to reconsider your dreams

@Jaime Valencia, I'd contact the department that put the notice up, and see what "Unsanitary Conditions" means. 

Can you contact the HR department and let them know you have a place for rent?

My background is in finance so that will be my department while my husbands background is in multiple areas of construction (HVAC, concrete, plumbing, electrical and general carpentry) so he will be putting in the sweat equity.

There could be a number of departments, however I would find out if you have a land bank and start there.

To all my fellow Wisconsin landlords (or future landlords like myself):I don't remember how I came across this article, but apparently the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection creates the guidelines for the Landlord-Tenant relationship.