What is essential to me is to understand  one piece of transaction I discussed in OP.

Very cool piece of real estate, unfortunately it doesn't even make sense at the $650k asking price.

Then chase down deals for him and take a piece of each one.   

Put down a nice piece of sheet vinyl.

Just as the person who works at the clothing store has a conflict of interest when they say that the piece of clothing you are trying on looks great on you.

City planner, building department, engineering technician (for second address), public works (second water meter if we want go that route) and Electrical Utilities Department will all be involved on new construction and all will want to get their piece of the pie (at least in my city).Additionally, if we want to have a separate water meter and the ADU was plumbed separately a second water meter could be installed.

Out of curiosity, what’s one piece of advice you’d give someone just starting out?

I would check out those posts and see who was active in them and reach out to them to see who they have gotten in touch with - it sounds like they are making some progress and from what I heard have the ear of someone at the SEC or DOJ that is looking into it. 

The Port Charlotte duplex...given it hasn’t suffered hurricane damage...could command a pretty penny on its own.I recall reading a piece in Forbes that suggests certain Florida markets could remain strong for years, which might help you gauge whether now is the right time to sell.

It sounds like they just sent you to a lender and builder and maybe they got a piece from each?