It's official folks!

You can also hire an attorney to file something with the county that will announce your ownership claim to the property and whoever wants to challenge that can go forth and appear at a hearing.

There is a Facebook group that announces the times

We don't need a full blown appraisal, just someone to come out and measure the square footage and provide official documentation.Let me know if you can help!

I believe the purchase must also be made through an official opportunity zone fund.Assuming you have all that in order, I would still be careful that you are not letting taxes drive your investment decision. 

Just like Ryan says these are typically the most entry level way to enter a market but you're going to get a lot of time wasters and you piss off local residents, city officials. 

He and I agreed this is a bad idea and he will do a more official purchase agreement that will ultimately be seller financing.But I thought I would ask for him and for my education if there are any recommendations on tax efficient ways for him to acquire the house since it is in the family.

The best answer I can give for Texas is to deduct what you are prepared to defend in small claims court if the amount was disputed(which is very rare)Judges at the Small Claims level in Texas are elected officials and are seldom bound by precedent. 

I've already sought out legal advice and they tell me your previous communications are sufficient to break the lease without me needing an official lease break document.

Licensing is the likely agency at least officially put a warning.