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Resource · Investor Blueprint

The 8-Pillar Investment Due Diligence Framework

The complete checklist we work through before any community moves from letter of intent to closing.

Pillar 1: Submarket & Demographic Feasibility

  • MSA population above 50,000 with a diversified local employment base.
  • Median single-family home price above $200,000.
  • Average two-bedroom apartment rent above $1,100/month.
  • Positive or stable five-year population and wage growth trends.

Pillar 2: Utility Ownership & Physical Infrastructure

  • Confirm public vs. private water and sewer connections.
  • Complete a continuous video camera scope of all main sewer trunk lines.
  • Conduct water pressure testing across the highest and lowest elevation pads.
  • Inspect electrical pedestals for minimum 100-amp service capacity.

Pillar 3: Municipal Zoning & Unconditional Replacement Rights

  • Secure a formal written Zoning Verification Letter from the municipal planning department.
  • Confirm legal non-conforming (grandfathered) status.
  • Verify written confirmation of the right to replace homes without special variances.

Pillar 4: Financial Audit & Bank Reconciliation

  • Audit 24 months of historical bank deposit statements against seller rent rolls.
  • Normalize operating expenses to realistic 35%–40% baselines.
  • Audit historical utility billing statements to detect underground line losses.

Pillar 5: Environmental Site Assessment

  • Complete a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment with a certified consultant.
  • Review historical aerial photography and state underground storage tank registries.

Pillar 6: Physical Grounds & Roadway Condition

  • Inspect internal road base compaction, asphalt wearing course, and drainage swales.
  • Audit tree canopy for dead limbs and root interference with underground pipes.

Pillar 7: Title, Survey & Boundary Verification

  • Secure an ALTA/NSPS land title survey showing boundaries, easements, and setbacks.
  • Verify that all existing homes and utility lines sit strictly within legal parcel boundaries.

Pillar 8: Tenant Lease & Home Title Audit

  • Audit all written tenant lease agreements and resident background check files.
  • Inspect clear titles and bills of sale for all park-owned home inventory.

Key Takeaway

Every pillar must clear before capital is committed. A single unresolved item — permits, title, or sewer — is grounds to terminate.

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