With respect to paying $44k off on your HELOC, I personally think that is totally fine and a great start. 

Don't spend time looking for something that doesn't exist. also in the US you cannot sue the police.. unless its a direct assault on your person. your wasting your time.. 

And does the person doing the labor get paid or only the materials paid for by the partnership?

Personally I never listen to what the seller states the income is as they are sometimes way off.

I personally don't like the idea of using OPM as is often recommended for people without their own capital.

This person has 8 months remaining on their lease.

There is a big difference in how those are handled  HAHA I just saw a post and commented where the person wanted to ask if they should overpay for a home because they can get is seller financing.

As a neighbor, personally I don't care if someone smoke a little weed every now and then, but if they are smoking non stop 25 times a day, you might lose a good tenant over that. 

What I personally do is I will hire a local Civil engineer who has done subdivisions in the jurisdiction and I will pay them up front for a detailed feasibility study.

I personally recommend checking Columbus OH - lots of job growth, population growth, and major companies moving and developing here.