We approached the existing lender for a loan assumption.

I am now at a point in life where I realized retirement isn’t far off and I need to find something outside of stock markets and 401k’s to invest in.

This approach ensures realistic pricing and helps avoid unexpected costs later.Good luck!  

The high appreciation market will be the higher cash flow market over the hold.  

Meanwhile, bank money market paying 7.5%. 

I’ve worked with investors who faced similar permit issues, and what worked for them was approaching the local municipality with transparency.

You're in charge of this hands-on approach.

High-end properties might require a white-glove approach with customized services, while more modest properties may prioritize affordability and efficient communication.

Investing in the market that you have knowledge of and the economic factors that support it is necessary. 

@Timothy Frazier I wouldn't use the word bad because if that is the route needed to acquire a piece of property then mission accomplished however you are stacking the deck against yourself with this approach.