Sutherland I would contact an appraiser with a MAI designation from the Appraisal Institute and pay them a consulting fee to evaluate the lease.  

She had heirs, but as I understood it over the phone, it sounded like this property never went through probate and a legal transfer of ownership hasn't been recorded since her passing.I understand that attempts have been made to get the local authorities to change the designated use to an easement.

You are asked to designate on the loan application whether or not you intend to occupy the property as a primary residence.  

Look to the motive of those "teaching" notes, you may get enough on how to find a note but my guess is that the teaching is designed to bring you back to them when there is an issue and then deal with or through them.

I used to design high-rise structures in New York City as a Structural Engineer and currently I work as Sales Engineer in the construction industry.I have purchased an investment unit in Chicago which I also manage.  

Are you strong in design or construction?

I think your biggest challenge would be during your renovation phase once the deal is found - finding the right contractors, deciding on designs/upgrades that buyers are looking for etc.

My background is in Digital Marketing and Graphic Design, but I've been educating myself over the past few months in preparation to break into the REI industry.

Sorry on response time,  I don't really want to get into too much detail about the contract itself, but there was only a logo at the top; no address, no titles or places for the company to sign in agreement.  

That is KW's beginner course in real estate designed to put the newbie on course to do 16 transactions in their first year.