And he greatly enhanced our finances.Several comments were about the 3 to 5 years (I swear, I think it was always 3 years, rather than 2). 

I spend at least 40 hours per week reading zoning codes looking for ways to massage these old rules and regulations.

An appraisers gets in the realm of massaging #s.

Please think about uploading a profile picture, it helps enhance the sense of community throughout the community.

(I suspect its possible but is cost prohibitive after talking to my landscaper)My question is, given they sold us the land before final approvals were given and now want to make changes to it that will reduce the value, do I have any legal aspects to this that can help enhance my negotiation position?

Hire ex cops, ex military, bikers, whoever....Get the vermin run out of there and then move your crews in and get it fixed and rented fast...Then you can massage it as you go, find better tenants, fix the place up better.

Now, however, we are finding that we may be able to do some of that without necessarily leaving our jobs (which would greatly enhance our financing prospects on projects...say that three times fast)...so now we may be changing gears a bit.As far as leverage goes...we are willing to do some but would prefer not to bet the entire farm.

So I'll describe my removed image instead:I agree with @John D. regarding the bank slowing your roll if you can't take a 25% haircut and still do OK by posting an image from the American Sitcom "The Office" of a character named Ryan pointing at the quoted post described above in a whimsical manner oriented vertically instead of horizontally to enhance the amusing nature of the image itself. 

It is one thing that can enhance and develop a good working relationship with a contractor.  

I want so badly to keep going I find myself starting to "massage" things like CapEx and maintenance to make the numbers work.