So, I thought I'd try another tactic: just get the "assessor's role" (exhaustive list of all properties in the tax assessor's records).

If there is a bankruptcy, you need to be very diligent about understanding the impact that could have on a transfer of the property by the owner and what role, if any, the bankruptcy trustee will play in your proposed settling of certain debts of the debtor.

This is why it is so important to put together a partnership agreement upfront, that clearly spells everyone's role and how the proceeds are split at the end.  

There, done, you have established your role as a buyer and not an agent.

Purchase price if lease with option, market rent, 12 month term with extensions, exercise price, etc.

So pretty much I'm playing the role as there bird dog.

I think it's a good exercise that some farther down the road have not done in awhile.High value markets are very tough.

I reluctantly took on the role due to mismanagement of funds and I'm the only owner in the building with the skill (and willingness) to take over the task. 

Let them know you intend to sell it for a profit (add a clause stating such in the contract) and that during the contract period before closing you will be exercising your right to advertise the proerty.

Generally, to establish that one person has acted for another in an normal agency relationship, there must be an agreement between two persons and one must exercise some control over the other.” the case is Xarin Real Estate v.