If you are close then just go to office and pickup the check.

Why would they stop if nobody sues or gets the police involved?

His office has 90% of all the listings in our county.       2.  

The best way to do this is develop a great working relationship with a real estate agent or escrow officer and they will provide you with reports for free. 

both myself and my office manager are licensed agents

The grammar police love me.

In general they will add the ADU only if it is existing living space such as workshop, bunk house, office, etc.  

Also work with trusted lenders, look for reviews, etc .. since there are many unqualified loan officers pushing term sheets to get you to pay for an appraisal and switch the terms on you at the very last minute.

Here’s how I’d move forward:Get a Real Estate JobLook for steady-paying roles like property management, admin work at a real estate office, or project coordinator with a developer.

Do right by them and word spreads, momentum is built and eventually you are raising money from PE firms, family offices etc. if you care to grow beyond your personal network's means.