Your problem will be them incurring capital gains taxes simply so you can get a commission.

If not, then the path of least resistance is to simply adjust your vision so it fits better into the lot, as-is. :) A zoning change can take up to 6 months, approval isn't guaranteed (despite Aldermanic support), and potentially cost a lot of money (architectural site / floor plans & dimensioned elevations, zoning attorney, holding costs, etc.) 

They were referrals and the business started to grow simply because I had a competent team that was responsive and looked out for the owners' best interests.

I will update my reports to federal law enforcement about these activities once I have completed debunking all of his new claims.

I'm not sure if I'm simply over complicating this or not.

Simply put, there is a very big difference.

The only thing is, he mentioned that I will have to file an extension because, understandably so, he does not have the time to complete my small business returns by 3/15 (8 days from today).

Is there some reason that you or the company simply don't discuss what happened and use this as an opportunity to turn a negative post into a positive one for the company?  

I am currently in the planning phase of my real estate investment journey and had a few questions I’d like to ask someone more experienced.Would it be smarter to focus on paying down my own mortgage and then use a HELOC as a down payment for my first investment property, or should I simply use my savings for the down payment instead?

Quote from @Devin James: Im currently learning this lesson with New Builds that have taken twice as long to complete than anticipated.....Finishing a Real Estate project ASAP is critical because...1) Holding Costs add up quickly- Loan Interest- Property Taxes- Insurance2) Investor Capital- Our financial projections are dependent on how fast we can turn our investors capital.