I’m not sure how the legal system handles leases and evictions over in Croatia and if they are in fact, simply “gentlemen’s agreements” that is unfortunate.

Original owner would have made a lot more profit if they had simply rented and then sold the RE after the outstanding appreciation. 

As landlords we would have a much more difficult time with an eviction than simply giving notice to a tenant in a month to month agreement that we aren't going to renew, correct? 

In this case, should I simply approach this as a purchase with a note payable upon completion of sale, or one year, with no interest and no lease payments.

They simply walk away without having to go through a short sale or pay out of pocket to sell the place.

Can I cut the branches on my side of the property? 

What if there is a downturn and your property values are cut by half?

-They put an elephant spout thing over the tub spout, which caused water to flow back into the wall and down onto the ceiling in the basement, but had to cut a hole in the ceiling to figure that out.

There is an unfortunate practice now of "appraisal management companies" shopping for appraisers by price, going with the lowest bidder and taking a huge cut of the profits.

I know in our area here.. most realtors simply are not going to work with contracts that don't have POF's  they have trained their sellers that its a waste of time to work with any contract that does not have POF>and not just mail order internet POFs must be from local reputable lender that they can verify..