Direct mail has it's place and works well when done consistently and at a high enough level (thousands of mail pieces per month) and more than 5 times to each recipient over a year.  

Being an oil dependent city economy, this is a good test on a local level of what can happen.  

The mortgage lender (bank, or seller) would hold the 1st deed of trust if I am not mistaken.

And at that level you are not wrong, but as a matter of real estate contract, seller "typically" pays the comission.

The security deposit was enough to cover the insurance deductible, though we chose to donate it to a trust set up for the tenant's young son.

Thursday more tile removal and plywood on the floors to make it all one leveled floor.

Another option was to level it and put up a duplex which will cost about 400k and I️ work with a GC which we would do all the work and his brother has the money to invest into the project to make it happen.

Bob Dobbs,Capitol Homes Real Estate (Licensed Florida Real Estate Professional/Realtor)Land Rescue League Trust (Trustee)Land Rescue League LLC (Managing Member)

They have a great deal of latitude on what they insist you pay, and what you actually work out in payment.Providing, that they are not a corrupt department, and most are Not (Some are quite political, with very "Selective Enforcement") Code officers and department would appreciate have a Foreign Landlord, who is in contact, works towards substantial compliance, and who they know they can trust to resolve an issue.That usually takes time and money.You need to explain , to them, that you "had a Terrible Property Manager, and have since changed and expect it Not to occur again."

She's new and is not very trusting.