Just guessing but. 700 acres needs to be checked.
You can find out most of the information you will need from a topo map, Getting on the property and walking around will be important but not at first.
Yes you should find out about the permits before you buy the land.
Selling dirt from a pond outside of the city limits is hard here in Texas. Check around but do not get your hopes up.
When it comes to doing the work yourself. The answer is YES.
