I contacted my company's referral department and they are pursuing the referral fee.None the less, the referral was made to an brokerage agency.

Also make sure to check with your local zoning and building departments and make sure that once you remove a building that you can put what you want in its place.

I currently work in the Information Technology department for one of the companies.I'm new to real estate and started listening to the Bigger Pockets podcasts a few months ago when my friend who is a landlord and owns several properties told me about it.

Also talk to Marty, he probably has the most experience.https://www.smgov.net/Departments/HED/Housing_and_Redevelopment/Housing/Fee_-_Tenant_Relocation/Fee_-_Tenant_Relocation.aspx

Generally speaking, you visit the "Planning Department" for your area.

If you are really new and don’t have anyone you know then go to the city and ask them anything and everything you can...planning, zoning, building departments, fire, development, Enviromental, concurrency  ect. ect. that is there job and why we pay taxes.

You could probably file an OPRA request with both those departments

Or if he is married, something his wife might like, i.e. a gift card to a nice department store or home store in the area.

Highly unlikely the local building department would approve a permit in the city.

Some have said that the department of labor says it's ok to be in a partnership with your father as long as it's an investment and nobody is taking personal benefit, but that the IRS is the one that doesn't like this.Any thoughts please.