If you can get an arborist out to look at it, even from a distance, and they determine that it might be dying that is better. 

.#1  Determining how you will pay for the property....cash or financing as @Lucia Rushton mentioned.   

Long story short, I am looking to connect with investors, agents, lenders, and property managers in the area to learn more about the Corpus Christi market, and, in doing so, determine what criteria to focus on as I begin my search for a home. 

Meaning, in order to build a home i would have to get an easement from one of the land owners surrounding the property.I am wondering how to determine whether the plot of land is worth purchasing.

I am curious if anyone has any contacts who are a CPA who specializes in crowdfunding - specifically a Reg A+ offering that can assist in determining entity type and provide CPA services for this whether it be a REIT, DST or a normal C corpThanks

I would consider the following steps1) Speak to a Lender to see how much you qualify for2) Determine your CCC(Crystal Clear Criteria) (Location, Asset type, purchase price, size of house, etc)3) Speak with agents and wholesalersBest of luck

Barring that, you're going to have to go the eviction route, in which case a judge will ultimately determine how the deposit/last month's rent can be applied here.

But the main determination is what is your current need and what is your goal.

If a lender looks at your tax returns to determine past rental performance, then it all depends upon how your CPA recorded your maintenance expenses and utility expenses.

If you spoke to a CPA and didn't get a proper answer is either because of one of the following1) You got a free consultation and they didn't go into the details as that is out of the scope of a free consultation2) You chose a wrong CPA to work withAn appraisal that shows a higher value than what was paid(basis) has no impact on what the new basis is as a result of divorce / transfer.The fact that the property is currently rented means that there must be a basis calculated for determining depreciation.