It's just that they're kind of slobby and irresponsible hoarders, and their approach to maintenance has cost me a lot of money so far.

When I started, I had the same hands on approach to maintenance/repairs.  

Others may disagree and argue the "eggs in one basket" approach, and they won't be wrong.

Hello, I’m getting ready to approach a private money lender with a project I am considering.

We want to add a garage to a 4plex but the city has re-zoned the lot to SFR use and says our property is legal non conforming so we are not able to expand.i think a garage is an accessory that is consistent with accessory's for a house,  so it should be OK to my thinking, Is there a tact full way to approach the city with this?

@Alex Deacon Interesting approach.

My thought here is to approach this with seller financing/land contract so I would pay the owner X amount for 5-7 years and then I should be able to get a conventional loan on the place.

I find as long as I approach the relationship carefully, most pros in RE are open to helping. 

Everything I'm reading (including above "gut estimate" and overpaid comments lead to me think you're approaching this the wrong way.

If I was approached by someone who wanted to do something bigger, I'd be open to the discussion!