The great news is that I've had a 40% response rate after only two rounds with a few motivated sellers, however I need advice on what to do with the following response I received from an owner that I consider a reach but still "on the fence".Chris...I just want you to know that I wont be selling the lot.

A belated welcome from Round Rock!

Thanks everyone. that is some great well-rounded advice!

Without an idea of the number of lineal feet of piping and conditions like walls etc.

I just stayed quiet while she rattled her sabre.We went into a house that had a large window in the bedroom over looking a river just a few feet away.

If you have gutters, try running the downspouts away from the house by 6 feet or so.Here's a link to show you what I am talking about.http://www.epa.gov/iaplus01/technical/moisture/images/large/30.jpg

If it's flooded, you should probably tear it down to the studs at least 3 feet over the high water line.  

Amd they're not a big deal... uh, when you're paying to repave your neighbor's driveway every 2 years, or you find out you aren't allowed to park cars within 30 feet of the lot next door, but that's where the driveway is and now you can't offer parking to your tenants,  or maybe you lose 10 feet of your setback because you can't see all encroachments with your naked eye and now you can't develop the lot in the future without an expensive variance pricess. 

Those who invest without considering the emotional investment and what-ifs usually add them into round two or three of their portfolios.  

I do the round trip to show my displeasure with the requirement (and the fact that they were charging inactivity fees without informing me) and to demonstrate that it will have no effect on how often I use the accounts for substantial business.