REI is great, but hopefully there's someone left to care for our ailing bodies:)

As well as creating ways to preserve the minds of humans to live on past our bodies. 

Seller is either impervious to, or immune from, guidance from her/his realtor.

I'm willing to sacrifice my time, body, friends, and sadly, family as I work to save up for my first purchase.

In my area you dont have to be a GC to buold your personal home.Find a local bank to work with on construction loan (I would suggest you get a account for that bank and donuts always help) Get a list of your area governing body on what is needed to be submitted for approval.

You are putting a deposit down for the appropriate governing body to foreclose on the property for delinquent property taxes.

That newer asphalt, or when it is resealed or newly striped, looks pretty sharp (but then you have some costs and maintenance), but I am not sure the attractive lot would bring much more in rent nor would gravel drive off good tenants.Finally, I shovel snow with the body sled type shovels and it would knock me out without a smooth surface underneath like asphalt or cement, so with gravel maybe check how that would work with your snow removal system (be it shovel, snowblower, or plow truck)...probably gravel best fit for plow truck...Best of luck

Both offices had a good handful of bodies at the locations along with a few appeared to be customers onsite, but i'm a little worried about all the fees and monthly expenses i was presented with along with the commision rates.

Is there a governing body I can contact?

You become immune from employment issues and the PM takes that responsibility.In Calif, 16 or more units REQUIRE an on site, 24/7 manager by law.