Maybe the City's approach is valid, maybe it's not, but I can assure you the City will try to minimize their exposure here...just like asking you to donate the easement...that's in their interest not yours. 

It stinks that we are first talking as you are wringing your hands hoping you've made the right decisions, but I can assure you that our reputation for customer service absolutely extends to outside clients bringing properties over.  

She and her husband stole 100K of my home refinance money when I was incapacitated and looked to my family for help ,and she assured me she would have done it for nothing but it cost me 100k. 

Often these end up in court and the nexus of the court case is not really do you have to give the easement...you will almost assuredly lose that argument assuming the Agency already has a completed design...the nexus of the discussion is really on how to value damages. 

Simply because they knew that a LOT of them would "default" and that would be quicker and easier than going forclosure/trustee's sale.I lived in TX (deed of trust state) and my attorney at the time advised me to quit doing CFDs (compliance issues) and just sell on a Deed of Trust and Warranty Deed.

But I don't think BP will allow me to elaborate on that story, but rest assured... 

I’m sure many will just crank out the buy/sells, but that’s taking a big chance without compliance.

The option term is something to look at, as a term of three years and sometimes over one year has been sufficient to establish that an equitable interest in and to the property has been conveyed, an example would be under the due on sale clause (but not often used).The Safe Act also referres to the intent of the transaction.Each state provides transactions excluded from the Act and there you will generally find the avenues to avoid any compliance requirement.

Be vigilant in your compliance; mistakes can be very expensive!

I'm active duty Navy as well, and its definitely challenging investing while in the Navy, but I can assure you it is possible!