$81k seems like a very expensive fee....but I have not been able to get the financing and if he can get it done I question if it is necessary / normal?

I suggest calling up a lead inspection company or two, they will likely be able to answer your questions with more certainty.

It seems like towns could dictate if you can build an attached vs detached adu for instance. 

We would like to sell them and use a 1031 exchange to purchase a larger tract of land that we expect to close on before the end of the year.   

@Pete WolvenI found this, looks like theres a meeting in October.

Moreover, the MLS is likely the best resource for such information. 

I feel like I’ve seen a few recent issues and curious what other investors have seen.1.

After a quick search though, it looks like you would partner with a wholesaler and bring the earnest money that ties up the deal until they found an end buyer.

(Don't quote me), but from what I've heard it sounds like you can move on projects without it, but I do know some lenders require it for hard money loans

I'm grandfathered in to the lower pricing of the past (was originally like $850 for their top plan, and I had 36k a month plan) - and they allowed me to add an additional market (which adds additional 36k a month) for a discounted rate.