Many thanks both Terpe and Jake, some great advice there.

The main reason for posting the original question was to see if anyone could recommend a lawyer because as Terpe pointed out the last thing I want to do is trust the friend of the seller. I do have scanned copies of "declaration of real property" and "land tax verification slip" going back to 1974, but I would not have known about looking on the back of the title, thank you Jake.

Is there usually some sort of map to show the boundaries of the property? I have 2 declarations of real property, the first states 2 hectares of un-irrigated R/L and 3 hectares of upland R/L. The second states 1 hectare coconut land and 2 hectares upland R/L. However, there is no map to say where the properties are or if they're connected so I could be looking at one plot and buying 2 different plots no where near where I thought I was buying.

Also, how would I go about finding out what (if any) restrictions there are about building on the land.

Thanks again