Dig and remove around 200 square feet of an old concrete driveway, frame and lay down the concrete (concrete will be ordered from concrete supply business) and complete a brick ribbon around the driveway.

Redlining IMO would only be an issue if @Jimmy O'Connor said to stay away or refuse to do business somewhere; he did not do that, he just pointed out property characteristics.

I see why they say, never go into business with family.

The local economy seems to be centered around these types of businesses. 

I wish you the best of luck building your business on another platform.  

No, it's not a normal business practice and does not pass the smell test.From driving? 

How many small banks and businesses went bankrupt and closed?

They make their money off of real estate agents, but real estate agents are the worst people to make money off because they are highly unreliable and in and out of the business when the market changes.Their target should be the consumer with higher levels that they can subscribe too for data, since Zillow is linked to the MLS now which makes their data somewhere more reliable.

I've picked up several really good deals because a tenant operator ran the business into the ground to a point where the property owners just wanted or needed out. 

As far as LLC structures and tax strategies you should find a CPA who has experience with real estate and small business.