@Tristan Colborg I think what spooked him may have been your approach a little bit as others have mentioned but also the fact that what we have here is a punch-list type project that a handyman or property management maintenance department would normally take care of, while GC’s especially here in Colorado are currently more interested in high-end new construction or major remodel type work.

Anyone ever have any luck getting list of addresses from local water department of current shutoffs or vacant address list from local post office?

I happen to be in the planning department of WA county looking at something else and caught that are property had been brought into the UGB as 5k lots  no sewer mind you within a mile.So I ask the planner you guys take all this credit for brining in development land. but when you look at the reality of chopping it up  who is going to take their one acre estate lot with a million dollar plus 5k sq ft house and then chop up 5k sq ft lots on it.. 

Our Department of Real Estate allows for this action if the seller signs a document stating that they realize an off-market may not yield the highest offer.

I'd plan to turn the departing property into a rental (if kept) and purchase new target home as primary residence.

When renting out a lot do I have to notify some city/county department?  

It is different departments. 

I would also check with the housing department of the school and see if they have any suggestions.

I know it sounds like I'm splitting hairs but some banks write HELOCs in their residential department....which won't write Investment Properties.

The fire department investigation determine it was not electrical.