I want to keep the tradition practice aspect of the range and provide more amenities.

For example if there's a door connecting their unit to your unit you would need to either wall that off or replace with a fire door and keep that bolted. 

Keep it up @Logan M.!

He keeps hearing the term “Passive investor” and is optimistic that Lifestyles Unlimited will provide such an opportunity.

When we do the construction loan, we'll take the cost you paid for your lot, your soft costs (plans, permits, property prep, etc) and add it to the build costs (keep in mind, we'll make sure those amounts are fluffed and that they make sense).

Keep in mind that the home will likely need thorough cleaning and repairs may be extensive.Ask about short salesIf a homeowner needs or wants to sell a home that isn’t worth what they owe on it, the lender may consider a short sale.

It costs so much to sell a property and buy another one, and is such a hassle, that if I were in this situation I'd strongly consider just paying the special assessment and keeping a property that's otherwise great.

If you do, keep in mind that selling, without paying off the mortgage, violates the due on sale clause.That means if your lender finds out, they can make you pay the remaining amount of your loan if they want to or they can take you to foreclosure.

In addition you'll need to be able to keep up with the ever changing local laws and regulations which is doable from out of state, but will require proactive effort.To find a good reliable PMC I would start by finding 3-4 that are (1) members of NARPM and (2) licensed by the state Real Estate Commission (not required in all states, but always a plus).

Keep in mind, taxes and insurance costs in California are higher than a lot of areas.