I would use professionals, but think you can get for cheaper than that (unless there is something unusual about your job).

It's an unusual combination of undervalued and value add and it won't last forever. 

Finally was able to have those done and found out that I would have to have a deep well drilled min 100ft through large amounts of limestone and I would have to have an engineered septic field built.

It's not unusual to go into business ventures with people we have a personal connection to, it's just important not to miss the steps you'd take if you were doing business with anyone else. 

Do you think this is so unusual that they may be lying?

It was unusual but the reputation of the school provided a protective halo so it became a neutral/mild positive.

By using a third party representing me I am able to maintain a more unbiased posture, allow the emotion to blow off without influencing my decision making process, and hopefully reach an agreed plan which provides them with time to rearrange their lives and me to suffer the least cost.Btw, not unusual for a relative not to inform their relative tenants that foreclosure is taking place.  

This is an unusually profitable deal though.

My research couldn't find any cases similar to theses unusual facts so I retained counsel who also couldn't find anything on point. 

It may not always be a good idea to buy a particular property due to unrealistic asking prices above the general market or unusually depressed rental prices in the area (e.g., due to crime).