Duplex have different zoning that may permit additional units.

Lancaster city limits short term rentals to only certain zones of the city so definitely look at the city website for that information.

Do you know the city people for example at building/zoning department? 

I want to give them the benefit of the doubt they are just struggling with staffing but now have seen some red flags that lead me to believe there might also be some type of deceit/fraud and possible financial trouble.

They were already $75 billion in the red (IIRC) and now this....Even with Federal money, the state is going to have to chip in a lot of $$$ and they just don't have it.e) I saw US Senators this am on TV promising to assist with aid to CA, but ONLY if CA changes it's policies towards, water acquisition and Forestry Mgmt.

The setback requirements to build in my county require 80' minimum wide street frontage per this neighborhood zoning.

Start with the county, zoning, planning commissions etc.

The market is slow currently and you need to check flood zones and assess insurance costs when underwriting a deal.

#2...not the zoning, although that can be important too, but the actual property code in the Florida statutes about tax liens and the process. 

Legitimate lenders may charge a small application fee (around $250) to verify you’re serious, but if someone’s asking for thousands with no real intention of closing, that’s a huge red flag.On a more positive note, there are creative financing approaches out there.