The key seems to be not letting this current tax rate issue push me into making a rash Risky investment that could end up costing more than simply paying the excessive taxes now!  

Don't be stingy with the details.I own it directly.

A major renovation like this will take months and the market will most likely be lower than it is today.

@Tchaka Owen well I’m currently pretty well doing the business by myself.

Also what are the values...I'm guessing theirs is worth more than yours, so you need to make up the differenceJust ask them directly if they would sell to you off market, and how much they'd want.

Is the structure currently boarded up against the elements, windows all of them, the roof, and any holes in the walls?

If you but now, and rates go down you can refinance.If you buy now and rates go up, now you have a below market interest rate.Basically, whether rates go up or down in the future, the outcome of buying at the current interest rate is almost always going to have a positive outcome.

At present, a fully drawn $250K HELOC with (optimal credit) would offer an indexed rate based off of Fed Funds or Prime + 3-4% rate (depending on LTV, Property Type, Credit and LA) currently pricing at between 8.5-11% (11.5-13% w/lower credit) and interest only payments of +/- $2000 but the qualifying rate and payment for underwriting would be nearer $2300+ (on the low end) plus the 1st mortgage, and accurate taxes and insurance. 

However, we do a lot of direct to seller marketing similar to wholesalers to source our own deals.

currently fully rented and waiting to collect!