@Jonathan KlemmThe property was vacant when the appraisal was done but I am not sure if this played a determining factor in the rejection because the appraiser noted that the property is grandfathered to continue its existing use but the exemption would be lost if the property remains vacant for 6 months or more.

I was able to work with a smaller lender who set me up with hourly base pay and bonus structure for assisting other LOs while I learned the biz, got licensed, and developed my own lead funnels.

I had convinced myself last week to put it on MLS and sell but someone close to me said there's nothing else to buy right now and I'm better off just playing the long game until I can afford to build on the lot. 

I hate hearing stories like this, but there are so many variables that can be at play that I won't totally slam the lender, but it seems as if you just need to take the loss and move on at this point

You have to play by the rules or face some serious consequences down the road.The solution is to sell your property in California while markets are at a peak (that's today, if you haven't noticed) and invest your money in a different market that has reasonable laws and fair courts.

Also though if they wanted to play hard ball buyer could sell give 90 days and new purchaser would then in turn have right to invoke it.

If you do run into this being a more duplex only situation as far as the home warranty goes, that may very well play into your decision obviously. 

Just playing around with different calculations and analyzing properties and happened across the possibility of a BRRRR with and end result of $1 monthly cash flow and infinite COC.

* A bonus play would be purchasing a small commercial property with at least a 25 space lot in the aforementioned areas; the idea is to convert the lot into paid parking to force appreciation.

IF those members having ownership are not playing an active role in the management of the project, this will be another red flag.