I can't seem to find a person or department who thinks it's their job to help me. 

If you have any questions about the State of Emergency, feel free to contact the Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at (213)974-1452.For some “light” reading on the matter, see the following:https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?

I've done this a number of time when getting purchase + rehab financing from banks; it was required to do the ARV appraisal in advance.As a side note, although it seems like you already have your financing lined up, check around to smaller, local banks in your area to see if they're do the purchase + rehab financing (ask for the commercial lending department - it shouldn't matter that it's SFH, usually commercial loans are held in house by smaller banks). 

the wine country in Oregon is no where near were you would do any kind of dense housing.. even if you could.I have logged many of those vineyards over the years and you have the forestry department whining that we are taking away prime forest land just to grow grapes to sell to the rich and famous who pay 100 dollars a bottle for wine ....The wine industry is real though..

The fire department investigates and determines the repair done was wrong and dangerous. 

Regarding question 4, technically FHA does not allow you to purchase another primary residence when you're departing from another primary residence in the same marketplace (100 miles). 

She is supported by the Housing Department. 

I don't know what area you're in but there are likely State and local permits, hearings at a Zoning commission where neighbors may voice concerns, Health department approvals, etc. 

Check with your local Building/Planning Department.

@Matt Kauffman Whatever you decide to do, you may need to talk to your local zoning department.