Active development plans to reshape this area are in place! 

If the goal is truly to replace W2 income, a more realistic approach would involve development related investments that have the potential to generate more meaningful cash flow.

We run a small real estate investment company -- we invest in real estate development deals alongside a small group of investors (we don't do broad syndication).

From a pure market growth and macro standpoint, I’d also strongly compare Pittsburgh to Columbus, because Columbus has seen strong population and job growth and continues attracting major employers and development, which supports long term rent demand and appreciation, while Pittsburgh is often viewed as more stable and cash flow oriented but with slower appreciation in many submarkets.

If you are far away, you cannot reliably confirm site conditions after a storm, assess whether a vendor actually showed up, or intervene quickly when a situation develops.

Quote from @Gregory McCarthy: We live in a development with no HOA, with approximately 170 lots in the neighborhood.

The goal is to become a developer building affordable housing!

But if they're looking for a quick in-and-out development, sewer is probably a must-have.What's the seller asking and have you pulled any recent land comps in that specific stretch?

I am a developer in South Florida. 

That’s why many buyers feel torn: existing homes in established neighborhoods are expensive and limited, while new homes are more affordable but often farther out or less developed.