Please note the information provided below is a layman's definition designed to provide a basic understanding for the general audience.

CA has the AITD  and its a robust  debt instrument that is designed for these transactions.

Staying active and engaged is crucial.Build a Robust Profile: Your profile should showcase the deals you've done and include reviews from past clients.

My husband and I own an architecture and design business in upstate NY.

For out-of-state networking, I'd focus on engaging regularly in BP forums (like you're doing now), joining virtual meetups in your target markets, and connecting with active BP members who consistently provide value here. 

They are designed to be filed before the foreclosure and then jump above the foreclosing lien in seniority and either get reimbursed from the foreclosure sale or survive the foreclosure and are passed to the new owner. 

Contact the local zoning department (construction, building, whatever designation the municipality uses).

Anything outside of the beach zone which has been designated for vacation rentals is going to be challenging regulation wise & neighbor wise. 

I have always had an interest on Architecture and Design of real estate How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

the sale of the design includes CAD files making it easy to implement changes.