Ensure private money lender is aware of the procedures and limitations in wiring funds from their bank.

I typically operate under an LLC and want to ensure I’mProtected.

The key is ensuring you are generating SUFFICIENT cash flow to cover all the contingencies Jay mentions. 

The contractor suggested cementing the gaps along with the pipes to ensure a good seal.

I do think the association can act prudently and start a project to ensure rain water runs off and this doesn’t occur again though.

What steps should I/can I take before trying to purchase the land to ensure I am making a good investment?

@Lance Lvovsky has some great advice from a taxation standpoint, and you will want to ensure you are across your tax laws in the UK as well, make sure you definitively know your exposure.Finding a location is more of a personal preference and depending on funding, but there are good and bad areas in most states/cities to watch out forBest regardsLindsay

Ensure that they provide you the loan that best fit your goals, i.e. how long you plan to keep the loan on the property, cash-flow, etc. 

Make sure that you do your research about the platforms and ensure that they have deals that meet you investment criteria.

I needed to get my feet wet in REI and set my criteria based on a low-mid range, new SFH with previous owners (to ensure minimal surprise issues) in a family-friendly area.