The problem with many of the houses in the New Orleans area is that there was a long moratorium on building permits while the authorities were deciding where and under what circumstances rebuilding was going to be allowed, if at all.

(would do his with the knowledge of seller)The rents are HIGHER then the mortgage PITI payment by almost $300. 1) I have authorization from the seller to talk to the bank.

Actually, I always wondered why more investors did not partner with their local housing authorities.

There was an article posted recently on the BP blog about partnership agreements, written by an incredibly smart author (ok ok it's my post) In any case hope this helps: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/01/10/real-estate-partnership-agreements/

The information available through Lexis, without authorization, is "public record."

I've sent an email to the Charlotte Housing Authority, and will call them tomorrow.

When asked if they were listed and if he had authority to represent them (I knew they had already been sold from researching them) he skated around, saying I could send him an offer.I notified Loopnet a few times, and also emailed the broker telling him he should take the ad down.

I haven't gotten all of the information on how much it costs or how accessible he will be yet, but he is an author and is actually on this site and posts every now and then.

I don't know how things work in FL, but if you were in NJ, I would say you need "the right attorney", someone with longtime connections to the local permitting authority, this should not be unresolvable.

Great points made above....Here is some better advice as to my last suggestion of just pouring the floor...LOLGet that sub that has more experience with the city and incorporate him as your lead contractor to deal with the city as you go along, pay him a bit more to act as the GC in areas of running the job per the plans and specs, with you having final authority.