I am simply looking to add value to the process in any way possible and expect zero compensation--only experience. 

Otherwise you have to compensate her with relocation money....Santa Monica has a chart on their rent control website, and I'd imagine LA does too.

Whether assigning or using a double closing, the transactions taken as a whole are really an attempt to squeeze more compensation, for what is brokerage activity (with a fig leaf of equitable title) or as a maneuver to make net listings, otherwise illegal, legal.  

The rent can compensate depreciation.With a median annual salary of $51000, rents lower than $1400 are affordable for the majority of the US population.

Already have done legwork with surveyor and town so I am just at point now where I need to figure out a fare compensation with the neighbor.

Im looking for a mentor at the moment but seem to be having troubles.If you don't have the money to invest, you will need something else to compensate for that - my recommendation is become an expert in both general real estate and local real estate. 

As a long-term rental owner, I'd consider renting to you for this purpose but would definitely want a premium rent to compensate me for the risk.  

Most duplexes have a third meter for the landlord.Second, if you must use the tenants electricity, simply give a week or two notice and let him know you will be compensating him for it.

I wouldn't sell them a inch of my property, and I wouldn't do a easement without plenty of compensation.. for them to tear off part of the deck is what might be needed to be done.Why wasn't this found out when you were purchasing the property,, I'd check with your realtor about this issue,, title search,, and see if anything can be done thru them also. 

They are ok to compensate me on my DD.