How would I validate that the info provided is legit? 

You then use that logic to say that swapping a mortgage for a HELOC in first position is not a valid strategy because the numbers can be replicated by keeping the mortgage.  

The type of deed matters because a Quit Claim Deed makes NO guarantees by the seller about issues affecting title while a Special Warranty or General Warranty deed do!

You'd need to start working through a preliminary site-plan to validate your assumptions about the building area, parking ratio, drive-thrus etc.

I read through the Landlord-Tenant laws regarding breaking a lease in TX, and my understanding is that he needs to give a 30 day written notice with a valid reason to terminate.

Basically looking for someone to pick up the phone and validate. 

The only source for the local knowledge you need is an investment team.Also, an experienced local investment team already has the skills, processes, expertise, and resources you need to identify, validate, renovate, and manage properties, saving you time, money, and risk.Working with an investment team usually does not cost more.

One of the exemptions would be having a valid breeder's license in the city. 

The company should provide some sort of warranty on work that they do to remediate the issue.

In my market, the typical type of deed uses is a Special Warranty deed where you are guaranteeing only title issues that came into existence during your ownership.