But I'm a forgiveness over permission type of thinker.

Did you give your permission? 

Hello Matthew,As I am not a real estate agent my answer would only be from my mortgage industry knowledge.This all relies on permission from your broker FIRST and foremost as they are the one technically cutting you the check from commission earned.

And for lock-box of course I would try to get tenant's permission and request to waive any liability, which the tenant may not be wiling to provide. 

If possible don't let anyone else put name on property title as owner, if you sell you have to get their permission and at sale time, then who is taxed on gains and who also is involved with property taxes,insurance ect..., could be a big mess if not handled correctly, a better angle may just be a personal loan from them. 

So identifying a potential property for a given strategy will need to be investigated carefully.When moving in the speculation mode, understand what the proceedure is in your area for special use permits and who you may need to obtain permission from or better said, who may object, because there will be objections.Also, changing the use of a property will most likely kill any grandfathered protections from current code compliance, which can be very expensive to comply with in an older building.Next, I'd check the existing utility services.

I hesitate to say much because I do not want to make it seem like I am getting in your business or affairs without your permission.

When you consider other forms of transactions, it is often illegal to sell interest something that is not clear - particularly without disclosure or permission from the parties in line to collect.

The town council is extremely conservative in granting permission to add businesses, restaurants, and the like. 

So without their permission, legally, you can't reuse the same design over and over.