This past year I had a project delayed after a vindictive neighbor protested a liquor license.

That process is currently underway, and I am hoping to pour foundations this spring.At another location, a neighboring party protested the transfer of a liquor license that I needed to advance a restaurant fit out, resulting in a roughly six-month delay before the protest was ultimately dismissed. 

@Matthew John if you properly disclosed the situation, in writing (preferably in the lease), to the lower tenant and they signed the contract, then they are legally bound.That doesn't stop them from protesting if and withhold rent - as you've learned. 

I had to eat it eventually after months of protesting lol 

That causes that you would break-even (PITI + maintenance), but will give you a good cash flow after around 3 years.Regarding Taxes and Insurance there are two strategies that I use frequently that help me a lot.Taxes, I protest mostly every year, I used services that have low cost and I had mix experience but I found that when I took the reins I can keep the taxes low (I go to the county office to protest).

In a world that now defines this as "Peaceful Protest"....I'd have to coin you a saint, lol. 

You’re absolutely right, skipping the protest is like leaving money on the table every year.

We are doing lot only sales thus our exposure is lower, our sale time cycle is faster than houses, people want to move to the country side, city riots/protests are great for us, 20 minutes from 1mm metro area, did all cash deal and no loan pressure, inventory is low, etc.Know your market, know your buy box, position yourself for the next 12 months.  

Utah state law allows 60 days to protest the rule change and if 51% file a protest, the rules do not go into affect. 

"I am not going to burn down my own house or my neighbors house in protest."