My guess is, they con investors into $50,000 or more and spend it on their sub-par lavish lifestyles, making promises they can’t keep doing services they aren’t capable or legally able to perform.

Changing your mind " Is a foolproof legal defense .

I know @Kaaren Hall who founded Udirect is extremely knowledgeable and a wealth of info but not sure if she could even comment as this seems more like legal and tax advice

That being said, is there any legal requirement to disclose there was a fire with a prior owner at some point? 

Underwriting, deal structure, legal processes, due diligence, asset management, investor relations - all very important components.Syndication can be a lucrative strategy, but it's not something you can just jump into. 

(Preferably ethnically) What are some legal (non- ethical) ways you have heard or seen?

- Is it possible and worthwhile to legally make the Duplex a Triplex?

Perhaps the attached agreement signed by you will jog your memory.I'm a simple guy and don't feel threatened by legal jargon or $5 words.

I found the county criteria which reads as:"Property must be minimum of 1 acre, meet the underlying zone district, have adequate parking, meet the requirements set for by the Wildfire Hazard Overlay District, have valid water and sanitation, have legal access, use the primary dwelling unit, be free of violations, and have no substantial detriment to the intent of the Zoning Resolution."

They can be all dangerous and some often carry legal risk.