You need to get a geotechnical or structural engineer to take a look - maybe both:From your description of the property having views, I am going to assume a hilly terrain.

You need to have the property listed by an experienced agent, and submit your offer first.

To this point my research has turned up the following (1) property assessments in WB are from several years ago, (2) appeal of assessment cannot be made based on current comparables (mainly because the market is so lousy for sales).It just seems that I am missing something and I would be interested in hearing from people experienced with this particular city.Bill R.

The most successful technology business owners don't write software or build hardware (even if they're good engineers).

Active experienced investors are searching the MLS every day and most of those grab the good properties within 24 hours of them being posted. 79 days?

Sometimes it feels better to vent frustration and have people who have experienced the same.

Be an engineer!

I got ripped off on my first 2 properties) and you might lose your equity. so I would advice you that you should first try to see if other experienced investors would buy it. and only than buy it. good luck.

If you need cash NOW then working for an experienced agent as an assistant or buyers agent on their time should bring you in some business but you still have to be personable and good at sales to close deals even with good leads.You can also "sit a subdivision" as an agent and make great money now that building is coming back in many areas.

Great list @Ky Sharp If you are confident in your analysis and buying all cash the appraisal/bpo isn't necessary but an appraisal may help you negotiate if it comes in low.We like to have two or three mgt companies walk the property during due diligence and propose their mgt plan that includes a capex and/or repositioning budget.If the subject property and all properties nearby are the only things ever built on the land there you may not need a phase 1 environmental but if it's a large property and/or you're bringing in outside capital (lenders or equity partners/investors) having one demonstrates your thoroughness and professionalism even if one is not required.If there isn't a recent survey one it may be required but if one is not required getting a new one falls under the same considerations as above.We have gone to always having an engineer do the inspection even though it can be 2x what a non-engineer inspector may charge.