We are in the due diligence phase and I have already had several preliminary conversations with a local land planner/zoning expert.

However, my current planner is not available.

You really should work with a financial planner that is friendly/understands real estate as part of your portfolio. 

Things have changed a bit, so you can call the planner of the day at your city's planning office and they should know.

I know there are crow funding platforms on the internet and that could possibly be a good source, but for a newbie like myself.. that might be a tough task. have you used other sources, like accountants, financial planners or other similar sources that one can work with to raise funds..

My wife sat down with the planner and went through the list of options so it sounds like we are off to the right start.  

For instance, my cousin just inherited some momey and saw a long-term planner of some kind. 

check of your city planning and zoning website and see if the have a planner on call.

You may need to go to the local governing authority and describe the specifics of the property to the zoning department or planner. 

You and your father should consult an estate planner first.