If short term and/or at market the best way to value is direct sales comparison of other similar properties that have market rents minus some lease up expenses.If there are long term leases above or below market then you'd use the income approach. 

However, to me it sounds as if your lawyer is taking a very conservative approach to this deal. 

Can anyone give me some advice in the best way I should approach this both financially, legally and timely. 

I really thought the hands off approach would be catastrophic and lead to delays and incorrect work being done.

My loan officer has now also changed her story, saying that I need to occupy this property for at least 12mos before I am allowed to rent it.Under these circumstances, which is the best approach to acquiring this property?

In my 'investment' situation (and perhaps short sighted newbie view) I equate the experts' approach to getting loans to invest in the stock market and therefore I cant imagine why I would want to have mortgage payment on my investment.

Well I was approaching it from the stance that I was gonna try to find a buyer and if I could I would then discuss all of that with the other wholesaler

I still find opportunity in this market as we're approaching the top if we're not there already.  

I would approach the banker with the idea that you might be looking to refi and ask him what he thought.

There are laws on unsolicited marketing in various states through telephone, so you may need to confirm you're approach is above board legally in your target market.