My question is really around the legality and process of taking back the garage from the existing tenants for this project.

Make sure it explicitly explains the process for termination if you are unhappy with their services, but especially if they violate the terms of your agreement.3.

However, you will need to find a seller that is willing to do this and it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a professional help guide you through this process.

Often the debtors will refuse to acknowledge these liabilities, while obviously aware of them, because they are dumping them on purpose.Second, if the property has a high risk issue then make attempts to due process notify the debtor or the heirs. 

It's possible the engineer is agreeing to take on the ENTIRE development process and manage the entire development of the project but that would need to be clearly defined in the roles and responsibilities of the development partnership. 

Things will never feel perfect, and the process will always feel a little scary.

Like anything, the start is the most difficult steps in any process.  

When I first started I purchased them and when it came time to use it the process was a nightmare.

Strong property management and careful tenant placement also play a critical role in success here, so I recommend partnering with a turnkey company or an agent who specializes in these areas to make the process smoother.As for rental demand, homes that sit for extended periods are often the result of issues like pricing, condition, or tenant quality—not necessarily a reflection of the market as a whole.

You might want to read our series about “How to Screen a PMC Better than a Tenant”, since selecting the wrong PMC is usually more harmful than selecting a bad tenant: https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/3094/91877-how-to-screen-a-pmc-better-than-a-tenant-part-1-services-and-processes