Cohousing-L Mailing List: buying existing building

[Jerry Jordan McIntire (contraj]

I am with a small group interested in finding an apt or other building
to convert to cohousing. We want to end up with 4-12 individual units
after converting 2-3 units to common space. I would like to hear from
groups that have done something similar, especially about the question
of converting rental housing to cohousing ownership.
     Have the city/zoning authorities been cooperative? 
     How long did it take to complete your zoning change?
     How did you purchase the property (as an incorporated group, as
individual partners, ...?
     Which groups in North America have converted existing buildings of
any type?
     Where could I find answers to any of these questions on my own-
without asking you busy folks to reply in detail?
Thanks,
Jerry