Because one of my leverages was that they are a Gov agency and did the county really want to get involved in lawsuits involving the Gov that pours millions into their county programs.

Here in Orlando we do have a few homes with a mother in law suite.

It's protection for you, should there ever be a lawsuit.

The information about the sellers being the heirs to the house and the news about the in-law suite already having an existing renter in place was all new info that I learned when I requested to see the property with my buyers agent. 

* What do you do to ensure that the tenant is responsible for security deposit disputes since that is the largest reason for owner lawsuits* How familiar are you with the newly changed laws that can affect you the owner if they are not used correctly?.

I would get neighbors to put pressure on the HOA to speed up the process or face a lawsuit. 

Unless, of course, you want to be on the hook for a potential lawsuit.

A lawyer can help you to assess your options and file a lawsuit against the building next door if necessary.  

Lawsuits against them?

:D And since it looks like we own nothing that dissuades petty lawsuits from coming along.