In a nutshell, it will be much more difficult to get approved for a loan, and fewer choices.There are countless sources for the details of this reform, and it's rather wide-sweeping, but here's a summary of how it affects mortgages:http://www.quickenloans.com/blog/new-qualified-mortgage-rules-effect

You might wanna read all the posts about the upcoming Frank Dodd rule that takes effect next month.

During the time prior to a lawsuit being filed, the owner of the property can purchase a bond in the amount of the lien to effectively remove the encumbrance until a judgement is finalized.

I've run heavy equipment most of my adult life, so I was wondering how much clearing/modifying raw land would add to it's value if at all.

Might consider labor in your area.We have a tri-plex that has been more student housing than anything, mostly college students but have had adults.

This business is all about cost effective mgmt, and your learning this head on.

I'm going to read through this thread a few times more to get the full effect :)Josh

It would be the best to find a lawyer that understands the Dodd Frank law to give you straight answers, but I think it is a wait and see how the law will effect everyone.

Assessors typically have only one "effective date of valuation" each year, or even older, that is historical, in that they trend values, and do not perform an annual revaluation (when properties are inspected and methodically calculated).

If neither of those will be effected, there is no point in spending the money.As far as financing, what about if I purchased the home and decided to make the modifications later down the line?