We also sent a letter to CA AG Bonta's office. 

I was able to look up the life estate deed from the appraisers office and read it.

You actually met the guy in person and saw his office/operations?

I initially had no clue to the comment so went to permit office.

It’s unfortunate as their loan officer was stellar.

If you see at least a few zoned in the designations you mentioned above, that's potentially a good sign that you can get support from the local Alderman's office, and approval by the ZBA (zoning board of appeals), to rezone.

Since then I have been able to also use family offices and hedge funds to get deals funded.

Of course a visit to the county records office and -correct reading of the legal description would reveal that the tennis court lot was the one being sold.  

I have a few banks and family offices I've worked with for years that will definately do the deals with me. 

It's really important that you work with an experienced loan officer or broker, especially on a time sensitive purchase transaction.