Scott is super nice to me.

Based on rent of $1,695, I think you'll be lucky to get an appraised value of $160k with a CoC return well under 2%.

. - I was in a VERY similar situation here in Chicago, but I had less experience working on my own than you.I had a piece of land that I owned free and clear, but since I didn't have any development experience, most of the banks wouldn't talk to me. 

Go with someone with solid google reviews and over 5 years in business and move on if needed.

Also google their name and cell phone number.

I’m thinking of suing the utility companies for not notifying me of non-payment creating unsafe/ unsanitary situations that led to house fire, thousands in damage.

It can be returned by a search and the cached copy of what you wrote is visible to anyone. 

how did you deal with them?

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

This will clarify and reinforce what you are reading.