I don't know that there is a solution with signs in Connecticut.

Aside from the $1k difference, I like the "passive" solution of dirt and vapor barrier but I want to make sure it will work.If I'm really lucky, maybe somebody in the Tulsa area could suggest a contractor to do this for me?  

The solution will lie with the city/county planning and zoning dept. who should be able to tell you the required process to get this resolved.  

Ask questions and you'll receive different perspectives, opinions and solutions.

And if you get that far, and the appraisal does not come out, then walk away.The easier solution is to just find another turnkey with better deals.  

By asking better questions, and being interested in the answers, you can discover what the Seller’s problems and issues are and then offer a solution.

For my guy - he would probably be about $3000 + paint if lap siding with only window and facia trim and he's not 30' in the air fighting trees.

They work really well for leaves and even the smaller bits that fall out of trees like pine needles, "helicopters", etc.

This contractor is creative, underbid the job yet still honored their estimate, and came up with solutions I wouldn't have.

Noticed your post and wanted to extend a product idea that our firm has that could be of assistance to your situation, if you haven't found a solution already.