Typically someone who was communicative turns distant, unresponsive, blows you off when you're trying to talk to them in person, and the tall tale sign of boxes in the hallway.

When the deadline approaches you need a person to push it through in time. 

My recommendation would be to engage an investment property focused realtor (not a general residential realtor) and let that person guide you through the process from pre-qualification to market/property valuation and selection. 

Providing for the disposition of certain personal property following an eviction.

You must report rental income on Schedule E and can deduct rental expenses like repairs, maintenance, property taxes, mortgage interest (allocated between personal and rental use), and depreciation for the rented portion.

The city itself is established, older neighborhoods, better city amenities (museums, arts/music etc), more pro sports, more hills, bigger river, has a streetcar, arguably better nightlife overall.

To establish a 50-50 ownership in both the property and future profits, you'll need a formal agreement outlining each person's contributions and rights.

from my advice rural properties and developments aren't successful and you are climbing an uphill battle. sounds a little niche. we focus on developing and not reinventing the wheel. if this is truly what you want to focus all your time and energy on then visit the closest 5-10 of these that look like the ones you are interested and ask if they'd expand or build a secondary one. do a lot of research before you just take action 

There are legal requirements for disposing personal property left behind by a tenant.

Yes, in theory a person can make CRAZY $$$$, and some absolutely do.