@Jonathan Klemm, From my experience, the Zoning Cert. tends to carry more weight than the water records; however, they will commonly take the water records into consideration when reviewing and issuing the Zoning Cert.Basically, if you try to go forward based only on the water records, they could try to fight you on it.

If you are not a cash buyer, you’ll have to fight in a bid war, with 10-20K over asking price.

I would talk to a RE lawyer, this is beyond the capability of most RE agents

It also depends on your strengths, connections, capabilities and access to capital. 

Are you up for the fight for $200-350$? 

I have attempted the sec of state route @Jason Hirko, It has worked for some properties, but I am getting nowhere with these that I am fighting for now.

I like the idea of putting together some of our work to show we're capable of managing and completing jobs.

I am curious to know if my eviction fight will be less cumbersome if I purchase pre-eviction and take over the property?

@Anthony Calvano I had a situation where the tenants got into a fight and the wife called me "If my husband calls you to let him in do not let him in". 

Looking ahead, real estate investors will remain focused on medical advances to fight the coronavirus and negotiations for additional government fiscal stimulus measures.