The negotiations came into play with the city permitting department, the lenders, and the builder.

I would call local property management companies, agents, and the local planning and development department to get an answer to some of your questions.

My understanding was that one had to request forbearance through the loan servicing/ loss mitigation department, and borrowers were only eligible if they were current on their mortgage when requesting forbearance.

But with the build - starting next spring sounds reasonable but you should be talking with architects and engineers now, as most of the local companies are booked up and the planning and building departments are backlogged.  

The city code and property zoning allows for it and I have already discussed the initial conversion plans with the zoning department who, as long as permits are pulled and its built to code, have given the  green light to proceed verbally and via email.

Full time structural engineer and beginner investor here, I would recommend starting with your local government building services department.

Please check with your planning department to see if you can build the home or structures you want to without variances.2. 

Go to your county website and from there go to the sheriff’s department.

The fire department is still trying to put the fire out.

Seattle has a department of "shoppers" who go to rentals and "apply" for the rental.