The investor “gave up” after numerous attempts to sell the lot or get a “refund” from the county proved unsuccessful.  

This could allow you to use the full amount for purchasing real estate without needing to sell your stocks outright and incurring significant tax implications.

Get said deals under contract and sell the contracts to investors i.e.

Such a horrible loss.Regarding your property, I think as the trends in the report continue over the short term you will be able to sell closer to full value in coming months.

Is this an offer to sell, invest, or broadcast?

Otherwise, you could network with a local Realtor to your area and see how many duplexes sell per year within your acceptable driving radius.

I find it to be a really good selling point for tenants and with the better quality units I have less maintenance requests. 

Albany, Syracuse, Utica, OH, PA, etc.) for cashflow.The challenge in these markets is that demand is through the roof, and many properties either sell at the asking price or above the asking price (Suffolk's sale price average was 1.5% ABOVE the asking price).If I were in your shoes, I'd explore local and remote multi-family options before considering the mid-term rental route.All the best!

Real estate : you could become good at advertising and marketing or simply asking people you know if they want to buy or sell: Any realtor will give you $1k to $5k depending on the price to get that buyer  or seller.

It would/could be only 15% capital gains tax and yes you could/would deduct all selling costs including commissions and transfer taxes.