This is why you should consider investing in larger rental properties which inevitably provide better cash flow.

And the larger landlords are stuck paying attorneys thousands, many of whom do not really know exactly what they're doing either. 

Bigger Pockets is designed to help with these sorts of things. 

Maybe they can put a parking lot, playground or a detention pond on this area thereby freeing up more of the build able area for development. 4) Is there any sort of flood control benefit?

I'm not locked into the larger payment. 

It’s part of a larger portfolio.

I was really glad to help and they finally enjoyed their vacations and left happy and grateful.On Airbnb (and not VRBO) there is a huge number of "turning" listings: those who emerge and disappear within 6-12 months for all sort of reasons: 1) Could not comply with regulations (like in your example), 2) Realized STR is not for them and they can't run the business  3) Property was not clean or desirable so no success renting or a bunch of other reasons. 

It has some sort of foundation damage.

Larger properties with national tenants tend to have strong urban core to suburban locations so the dirt is very valuable today and usually into the future.So on smaller properties with a more local bank it is a big loan to them and they want to look good to regulators so they get as much info and place as much controls as possible to CTA (cover their #ss) themselves. 

Breaking even on cash flow and hoping for appreciation is a dangerous approach.Since you don't have the time to dedicate right now, why not look for a partner on a larger deal.