I think some of the answer lies in your personal goals and in the amount of money you have available to you.

One tool I've utilized extensively for personal and client acquisitions are seller carried transactions. 

Assuming this is an investment property, keeping track of your expenses and income in a separate bank account (not personal) and ideally holding the property in an LLC 

One person is extrapolating out the depths of the inner city to the entire market as far as long term viability for investment, when the other person is actually considering A/B neighborhood buy and hold. 

Now personally I would never have taken a client there without a written agreement between you and me, If you are not paying a buyers agents commission that's fine and your choice.

The council person is pushing for developments in the area and so they location as a whole is pro growth. 

That will force them to offer you better terms if they want your business. 

So it could end up being a drawn out legal battle that I wouldn't want to be involved in as a renter living there personally. 

What were some of the questions you asked to be able to determine if this was a person you would want to work with?

They'd be able to give a lot more personalized advice versus what you might find on public forums such as these.That being said, there's a variety of strategies you might be able to employ.