@Vernon Bond Since this will depend on what the owner/uncle is going to do with the property there are a few options, take a look at the link in the previous post and take action.

Turns out the sub had his own crew, had an LLC, and was licensed and bonded.

Especially if they're licensed, bonded, and not picking up work crews from Home Depot.

The main dilemma for me right now is that Orange county is offering a generous $15k bond that I qualify for but it's only for first time home owners/ haven't had name on a deed in over 3 years.

Stocks & Bonds, got it, there's a proven, established and stable market.

ZB insits that I post a bond for the work I am doing to the sidewalks and driveway.

When I spoke with the gentleman with the township he informed me that the owner had to place a $10,000 bond down to pull the permits to keep the township from demolishing the structure and to complete the repairs.

Stocks vs Bonds, Cash vs Gold, Energy Stocks vs Retail Stocks ad nauseam.So to get back to streams of income it doesn't make sense if you have 5 houses in one city as 5 separate income streams because what happens if there is an earthquake or it was in Detroit?  

A simple survey is much cheaper but when you subdivide, they need to rewrite the legal descriptions of the new lots and submit multiple sketches to the city so the cost goes up considerably.It's pretty clear my current lender doesn't want to lessen their security, as mine has a house that's on the subdividing line that has to be removed (it has no value), but they did provide me a lengthy form to fill out to consider it. 

I'd say look at demographics (change in population, employment, etc.) in those areas and, importantly, drive through them yourself, to see what you like and what's convenient for you.Also as I've recommended recently in other threads, be sure to check out the finances of any city/town you're planning to buy in, including current and historical changes in municipal bond ratings (Moody's, Fitch, etc.).