@Marko BukvaI'm not entirely clear on the plan and ownership, but there are potentially several different types of tax at play for a transaction like you're discussing - gift taxes, estate tax, income tax, property tax, documentary transfer tax, etc. 

Real estate is one of the most powerful wealth-building vehicles—but only if you know how to play the game. 

Do some digging to see if there is something more at play or if he is just being difficult because he is a difficult person.

One small point of criticism; we were there in the winter and in the evening a lot to play a game or watch TV.

Under Alabama law, that is a VERY dangerous play and you could end by losing money.You also cannot sit back and let him build the house and say "Thanks."

I'd think that would be theft from the tenants, but hey, let's see how this plays out. 

However, I received some feedback from one of my partners that the play here would be for an investor to subdivide or re plat the land for a multiple tenant situation.

To play devil's advocate (and keep in mind I have no skin in this since I'm in a different market):-You want to tailor to investors, then be prepared to sell at an investor price. 

Selling means giving up an incredibly cheap cost of capital, especially in an appreciating area like 28277.I direct my investors to 28277 all the time for appreciation-focused plays.

Look, we were for most part playing a game of American Football for a long time.