can this property be levelled?

[ultrarunner]

You're absolutely right, it just seems like around here anyway that there are a few good Realtors and the rest should find another profession. I personally have not come across what I would call "a good realtor" and personally know of people that have been screwed with the exact same situation that the OP is asking about. Yes everything was above board, but here in San Diego County, good luck on getting any reliable prices for any permits, variances or other wise until the day that you go to pay for the permit. In other words, good luck with trying to figure out what it's going to cost you ahead of time. You will not get a straight answer out of the local government agencies until the day that you write them a check and even then it is doubtful that you get the final cost figure.

And by the way, didn't you just paint with that broad brush? (I don't trust dealers or advertisers selling tractors, hydraulic links, equipment of anything.)

Very true... even very experienced developers get burned... just too many variables for a novice when buying with plans to improve acreage in California...