If this is the case, could someone tell me the proper & legal way to do this?

So if it is zoned RT-4 but taxed as 7 units then it is considered "legal non conforming" which is perfectly fine EXCEPT when you, the owner, destroy/tear down the property then it must be rebuilt to conform with the new zoning.

What are my legal options to collect the rent for March?

It's my report that goes out annually to the probate legal community each Summer.

The consumer buyer can't buy without the fees being paid and the attorney is betting on the selling lender to pay them on demand in order to close escrow, without putting up a fuss or any legal dollar behind fighting the demand.

Just being educated enough about our financial and legal system can make wonders happen though.

As a investor, the mess is the least of my concern.

I know more than one legal firm that seems to like commercially zoned houses to operate out of.Now I have a nonconfrontational, while honest question and could use an equally honest answer.

I would recommend that you meet with your legal and tax advisors and think about structuing a tenant-in-common structure or TIC where each investor acquires a direct interest in the real estate as a tenant-in-common and the overall property is governed by a tenant-in-common agreement.

Disclamer: I am not a certified legal representative you will need to contact you local tax attonery to verify the any and all questions you may have, including the above statement.