Now with that said, if you are not comfortable with running these calcs (live loads, dead loads, etc...) then you can have an Engineer run them for you.

I'll also look into the dead for purchase option if the property could be subdivided in the future.As for building before an agreement was signed, I agree that is definitely not ideal, but there is some flexibility in dealing with a family where we are all on good terms versus a typical business need. 

Short of very small investments in the stock markets I have done nothing yet.

Once several years ago, upon taking over a rundown home we found a dead body.

It's kind of down a background with a dead end, no reason to go in there unless you are living there.A house came on the market for 35k not long ago and is listed as sale pending.  

I would send a second written letter on official stock that requests a phone conversation. 

For my part, domestic stocks and REITs are very pricey right now, so I would stay away from new purchases there.

And weed barriers fail after several years creating weed problems.So the question of return on investment is very relevant, particularly when there's a grass lawn in place (even if mostly dead).  

Unless the owners are Dead and the house is paid off most  owners redeem when they are served with the foreclosure action.

Here is my comparison: California is like Google stock, a great stock to invest in, you are going to make money but you have to deal with the dramatic ups and downs.