I don’t believe any jurisdiction is getting more lax on STR regulation.

There are also a lot of attorneys in FL working pro bono to go after lenders as I believe there is something in the statute that not only can they recoup fees but they can also get consequential damages.

These accountants believe that purchasing from a related party is fine as long as it is an arms- length documented market-consistent transaction.   

I don't believe so. 

You need to minimize upfront expenses because 100% of your investment is at risk and lost if the lot is not buildable.My favorite strategy is to locate the property and tie it up for usually no more than $100 for a period of 8-12 months, analyze it myself and if I believe it to have a chance at being buildable I create a permitting plan and market the property to other investors/builders willing to take on the permitting risk.  

If your problems were really caused by an unexpected ac failure (can’t believe your realtor didn’t get seller to throw in a home warranty.) and not lifestyle.

I believe they are still doing the occasional JBB workshop but I believe Dave is quite selective in who they let attend.  

I can hardly believe an accountant would say such a thing unless there are pieces of the story that aren't in the post. 

Quote from @Juan Ruben Cortez: I believe the funding fee is 0.5% of the remaining loan balance, plus maybe another $500 - $1,000 in lender fees. 

They should not SET the commission amount, because as the DOJ says, they do so under the threat of a group boycott if they don't offer the "standard" (which I know is a word you are not supposed to say).The reason Realtors and the NAR are fighting so hard to keep seller set commissions, is that buyers do not believe they get $12,000 worth of service when they buy the average $400k home.