I agree with @Dan Heuschele that a 1031 exchange seems logical given your situation.

My logic says that its inexpensive for local duplexes on the RMLS for a duplexand there are multiple offers already, but why?

Those two points seemed like the most logical "next steps" for me.

The first logical step for me was to analyze markets and then choose one before networking and building a team in that area.

While you might have gotten some sympathy from zoning if you had been calm and logical about it, overstating a tree company as a "logging operation," calling the trucks earthquake machines, and making it sound like a grapple truck was destroying the building nust by running probably made the zoning guy think you were exaggerating about even the true parts of the story. 

It would not be logical in my opinion to be having a conversation about the concern of someone coming back and driving off with their modular home, if it were in fact a modular home.

"I'll pay my loan off, then if I need the money, I'll just get a loan" - flawless logic.

Time will help you think logically about them.

Your approach to negotiate on the price is logical regardless of the type of work required.

Reject the surreal logic of thinking that when billionaire corporations utilize whatever subsidies are available for them it's smart business, but when your mother utilizes one it's a moral failure.You're helping your mother.