[nota]

I would buy the lot not as a person or your survey corp
but as seperate Fla CORP just set up for that deal
to limit you risk and rep as a surveyor
[note it only cost a few hundred to set up a CORP in Fla]
and would not pay the owner any more then the 24k he paid
his costs of a loan ect are not your fault
then sue the home owner for taking your land to cover your rear

a fair settlement could offer to take 1/2 the value of the added land plus the increased value of the existing lot+house that is part on the adjoining lot at the point of sale of the property
as they cannot sell the house currently IF they plan a quick sale

BUT RESEARCH the LAW on if they OWN the land by occupation
for the last 20 years FIRST

I was told occupation is a major factor in law in Fla
so they just may own the land under the house
by occupation
now if the set back to the propery line is a different matter
and depends on local laws and rules

btw 3k closing costs is very high as you need a cash deal
for no bank would loan on a mess like this one