I am a CPA specializing in real estate investors.

Do you need one for simple things or do you have a more specialized / complex role for them maybe on a project in columbus ?

We actually work with a handful of attorneys since they all specialize in different things.  

Any special assessment of water-sewer bills, weed abatement, etc. become an encumbrance that goes with the property, not just IRS liens. 

I specialize in finding discounted properties for cash buyers.

I would make sure it wasn't condemned because it was a meth lab-- they have to have special abatement.

So I wanted to ask if there are any special contingencies I should put in, time lines, things to ask/look out for?

I specialize in this space. 

Is this a special zoning category that you're targeting?  

They tend to have general info and knowledge of various asset classes but do not specialize.Those nuances and deep expert level knowledge from a specialist makes all the difference in the world when you are buying a property in the millions to tens of million of dollars in purchase price.For instance in retail commercial I have specific commercial attorneys I use that have specialized skills like I do in a specific asset class.Hope it helps.