Sounds intriguing.You have bankruptcy law (federal), real estate law (state), tax law (federal & state), FL foreclosure law (state), internal bank procedures and a determined auction buyer who may be lurking in the wings.You'd have to have the docket for each proceeding to even begin to figure out the status.

(They weren't.)My city is very accommodating, and just required me to bring the unpermitted addition up to code, which was fairly easy because it was built correctly, minus permits.Check with the city as to what their procedure is for unpermitted additions. 

One thing on all the posts on note buying that I've gleaned is that there's nothing specific on the exact procedures of HOW TO GET THROUGH TO THE DEPT.

Good Location, A lot of Redevelopment, Great Numbers, Fair Eviction Procedures.

@David GreeneI also want to applaud you for writing a book on OOS investing and sharing your procedures and best practices.

To mitigate in the future ask for a conditional waiver together with his invoice before you issue a check, and unconditional waiver together with your transmittal receipt with (guarantee that he paid all subs and suppliers) of the check.For him not to put a lien, call his contractor's bond company, let them know that the contractor abandoned the project and you would like to file a complaint and want to know their procedures.

Getting stated in this business is like being asked to perform a medical procedure on a stranger after reading a few chapters in book or attending an all day seminar.I knew I needed an education, a formula and guts to Fake it until I could make it.

So for her the 1031 is a very doable procedure to defer the tax on that $500K gain (plus probably a bunch of depreciation recapture). 

I would probably reach out to you when I have secured a property with more specific questions about the mechanics of the implementation and procedures of having tenants.

If you aim to make your numbers look like they'll break even, you're liable to massage said numbers to make them work, rather than remaining dispassionate and investing based on the numbers.What are your specific financial goals with investing in real estate?