Not being a financial planner or analyst myself - this really has me intrigued! 

If the properties arent conforming zoning wise you can potentially get a zoning variance from the local city planners to get the properties properly entitled to meet financing guidelines as well.

I am a financial planner and my advice would be that you find a good CPA in your area who specializes in real estate. 

This is when I met my first out of the military mentor who told me there was bigger money if I became a certified financial planner.

No doubt Mr Campbell had a team of the best estate planners and tax pro's at his disposal and the details aren't known to me, of course.For us lowly average investors- If we plan to hold until we die (like Mr Campbell almost did), is the lauded LLC/entity the best way to go?  

As a financial planner one thing I've often seen about heirs is that they're always trying to maximize the money they get from a relative's assets so for a Realtor to tell them $130K and you to come in at $100K isn't initially palatable. 

Real money is made in buying and selling paper (notes, loans).Talk to a  licensed fee based financial planner.

Didn't even have to push the defender to the ground, as you normally do in a hail mary - trigger warning, Packers fans ;)I had been challenged by the land use permit planner when my architect applied for substantial renovations to a grandfathered duplex in a single family zone.

As a former wedding planner and small business owner, I hope I can transfer those skills and learn ALOT more along the way so that we might be succcessful in this new venture and not "lose the family farm"

I'll be reaching out to a planner and building inspector for their advice on this point: http://www.sanjoseca.gov/index.aspx?