If may be a case of being more persuasive will get a response from the heir to the property.You can also try to get the property by adverse possession.

Now I am not saying that it could not be argued and possibly ruled that way, BUT it does not fall under universally accepted contract law.That is a complete assumption on your part.You should probably RE-state that you are clearly NOT an attorney and everything you so persuasively presented is only your own opinion.

Technology will never take the core human element out of the equation, things like: Initiative, leadership (and knowing when to follow), courage, honestly & fairness, good communcation skills/ability to listen, financial literacy, persistence/stick-to-it-tiveness, negotiating, persuasion, tactfulness, and so on.

ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252600154&sr=1-1 The authors develop a persuasive case starting with how the Big Bang makes the case for a creator, why monotheism is the only logical theistic belief and how the New Testament can be verified.

Be more persuasive.

That combined with the housing issues directly associated with interest rates and I'm not sure one could have a data driven, persuasive argument for San Fran real estate being a prudent investment over the long term.  

Aaah seeking out the power of persuasion -- Persistence is key.

Sales, communication, negotiation, and persuasion are some to start off on.

I think with proper explanation, persistence, and continual persuasion, there is a possibility your wife will eventually bend.

I've thought about the same ideas you pose in your question - some fantastic BP Podcast Episodes that relate are:#9 - Using Hard Money Lenders to Grow Your Business with Ann Bellamy - this one could be interesting for you because you could be the money side of a deal#28 - Note Investing and Raising Private Money with Dave Van Horn - If you sold a business at 19, you must be money savvy so check out note investing#138 - Self Storage, Systems, and SEO with Michael Rogers - Self Storage can provide very attractive potential depending on your geographic region...something I'm looking into myselfIf you find decision making & behavioral psychology interesting, some books I highly recommend are:The Power of Habit - Charles DuhiggInfluence: The Psychology of Persuasion - Robert CialdiniLogic of Failure - Dietrich DörnerLet me know how things go and good luckMike