Having family with trades is a huge benefit, even if they don't do the work, utilize them as a resource. 1.

You might consider: Consulting a Real Estate Attorney – Your emails may possibly prove misrepresentation.Requesting Public Records – A FOIA request might reveal why the city denied you but later approved the duplex.Escalating to City Officials – Bringing this to local officials could expose inconsistencies.Exploring Tax Write-Offs – A CPA might help offset your financial loss, if it is possible.I’d definitely seek legal advice.

I agree with Tim, this idea sounds like a nice hobby but as fast as the market is moving here in SA, the data will become obsolete pretty quick imo.Ask yourself is this the best use of your time and resources?

Looking forward to receiving direction and insight from a vast and amazing resource.

I can also be a resource for you if you're interested in acquiring run-down or as-is properties.I look forward to connecting with you and learning more about your real estate goals.

I’m in a small financial bind right now and I could use the $300 back, especially since I’m not really planning on using the pro features any time soon. 

It’s especially useful for prospecting foreclosures or expired listings.TruePeopleSearch (Free): If you’re working on a budget, this is a surprisingly helpful resource for quick lookups.That said, any platform can work if you use it consistently—it’s all about staying persistent.

Are they just going to teach me things I could learn here or other resources?

The victims are a family in Texas that loaned him their life savings.Any leads on his financial assets would be appreciated and greatly help this family. 

This could be an opportunity to add value by offering to help with clearing or relocating those items as part of any potential agreement.Why This Could Be a Good Move for YouYou see long-term potential in the property, especially with the large lot and development possibilities (even if those are years down the line).As the current tenants, you have the advantage of a direct relationship with the landlord and familiarity with the property, reducing competition and risk.This could be a chance to lock in a property that you might otherwise lose if it hit the open market, especially in today’s competitive environment.Challenges to ConsiderIf the landlord is emotionally tied to the property or reliant on rental income, they may be reluctant to sell.Financing could be tricky, especially with today’s interest rates and the gap between the current rent and what a conventional loan might cost.The development potential you’re interested in is likely a long-term play, which means the property could be financially tight in the short term, especially if you’re only breaking even or slightly negative on cash flow.Structuring a Potential DealTo make this feasible, you’ll likely need to explore creative financing options that align with both your financial capacity and the landlord’s goals.Seller Financing: Propose a deal where the landlord acts as the lender, allowing you to make monthly payments directly to them.