Buying an occupied nyc rent controlled apartment for personal use

[Paul Jump]

I am evaluating an under market for a rent controlled unit currently occupied by a tenant in NYC. The property is a foreclosure so I can't get any information from the previous owner. The rents collected are about half cost of the HOA fee.

My situation is that I am actually looking for a primary residence and would be willing to live in this property for several years. 

So, the risk is if I can’t do an owner use eviction, I’ll essentially be substidizing the tenants rent every month out of my own pocket. 

Any advice how I can either gauge the likilihood of an owner use eviction being legal for this particular situation beforehand OR somehow legally raise rents to close the expense gap?