@Scott Schultz
Congratulations on your success! There's a lot of information I didn't include in my posting, but I certainly didn't sign an agreement and sit back while twiddling my thumbs. I did my research and I absolutely read every line of every page. Despite agreeing to purchase this property, my argument was that I was sold a piece of land and a structure with actual square footage and listed rooms, not just a piece of land. I think it also helped by disclosing this adverse material fact to the seller prior to closing.
What I could have done better was staying on top of city officials for details - they still haven't contacted me back. I still want to know the what-ifs!
For something that should be left for the "big boys and girls," what a way to encourage those hoping to get into the business. Somehow, real estate is still my passion, but I'll take it as a lesson learned. I'm not using this forum for legal advice, I just hope to let my experience be known as it might help another "little" boy or girl some day.
In conclusion, I learned of the condemned status prior to closing, argued that I was being sold a structure per contract, seller agreed to cancellation, got my EMD / funds back. I think I did my due diligence.
