Likewise a call to any of the local news stations investigative reporters.A TV news story about a real estate investor screwing the proverbial little old lady (no offense intended) will get a lot of eyeballs.I don't know that you'll have much success going after the contractors as you were not their customer. 

And so now I am asking my bp people for advice on how I can finagle my way into some sort of agreement on the purchase of these properties without any sort of transaction happening until the passing of this lovely old lady?

Be prepared for a long-term buy n hold unless the gambling or short-term rental regulations change.

I talked to a lady who owns 1200 units (not sure how many sq ft) that are all full and they're building more.

The lady can be quite rude and will not do anything further than forwarding your emails if you run into problems after the sales.

Excellent input ladies.

I'm going to use  this LADY as a teaching tool for my young schoolkids,  nothing like real life examples .Well firstly, I do not consent to you using my name, photo or likeness in your program that's clearly based on negativity and insulting someone.

In no particular order, here are the worst 5 reasons given to us for needing a commercial real estate hard money loan5 - Bank foreclosing - was unable to make payments to due to gambling addiction4 - Need cash out to pay off Mexican police to release son from prison3 - Need cash out to buy Ferrari for 23 year old Russian girlfriend2 - Bank foreclosing because charged with homicide of loan officerAnd my all time favorite1 - To get as much cash out of properties before filing for bankruptcyYou can't make this stuff up!

I know many property managers that won't even manage a property with a home warranty because they are so slow and difficult to deal with.I had a friend that went to Vegas for the first time and he was really excited to try gambling.

This being your first deal makes it a gamble but if you're really able to get the building at that price you can borrow hard money for the purchase and renovation.