An eviction case in Texas is relatively quick.  

Case in point: Check out this current listing in the Phoenix area with seller financing offered:http://www.redfin.com/AZ/Phoenix/4019-N-10th-St-85014/home/56291517"The garage was renting for $1000 per month (just vacated.

If that isn't the case in FL, then absolutely hire a licensed, bonded, insured and all the other stuff they could possibly be, to remove the tree.

That just isn't the case in real estate no matter what you are doing.

This is identifying existing improved properties to be rehabbed or demolished for new projects to bring the land to it's highest and best use, that may also include taking a property to its best use but not it's most financially highest use (such as may be the case in public use properties such as a park).There are books written on this aspect that usually address re-development of neighborhoods and commercial properties, probably not so much with a single home, J's book probably does.Re-development does require a very good understanding of RE, the market, social trends, economic development in an area, zoning and regulatory issues. environmental impact, financing alternatives, destruction issues and construction aspects that will require a higher degree of knowledge and experience than dealing in existing inventories or new construction.There is an old saying, "never buy the biggest house on the block".

The Op is located in Maryland, and while many of you think it may be ridiculous for an offer to take a couple hours to put together, that is often the case in Maryland (as well as DC and Northern Virginia).

At least that's the case in Cali.

(Here is an article describing a recent tax court case in which an IRA owner was severely penalized for doing exactly what you describe above: http://www.examiner.com/article/self-directed-ira-s-tax-court-speaks-out)I understand the intention behind the self-dealing rules to be that your IRA is meant to benefit you during retirement, and not a moment sooner.

This wasn't the case in the past but you can do a short sale if you are current.

This is not the case in other major metro areas.