Would love to chat more about what you’re looking for and how we can help! 

As I'm new to this domain, I would to hire a consultant to perform some zoning and other due diligence activities.

Go to the source.

@Terrance BrewerWelcome to Bigger Pockets. 

Document the condition they left it, keep receipts for the charges, and charge it to their card.

I'm exploring ways to access equity without selling.

Hello Bezhad, welcome to BiggerPockets! 

I needed something small to learn from and for my mother How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

I see some lenders out there would just pick the "lowest" rate and the client ends up paying more than 1% of the loan amount at their closing costs.Key point is "Lowest" rate does not mean the cheapest rate  I have worked in traditional community banking for over 7 years.

If someone wants to leave the business, how is this handled?