NC general statute states the following:- when this refers to a "trust account," does this indicate an actual trust or a checking/savings account labeled as a trust or escrow account? 

That indicates you want to look anywhere, everywhere, just for a deal that works on a spreadsheet.

As of early 2024, inventory levels were about 3.79% higher than the five-year quarterly average, indicating a slow but steady increase in supply​​.Demand and Buyer BehaviorThe Birmingham market will continue to attract out-of-state buyers, with significant interest from cities like Chicago.

Again, not saying this is in any way, shape or form indicative of the OP, just saying that in this type of situation it CAN exist. 

One piece of literature I have read indicates that an ESA may be turned down if the animal is too large to be kept in the space humanely, I would imagine a dog being kept in a 150 square foot room would not be considered humane.

One piece of literature I have read indicates that an ESA may be turned down if the animal is too large to be kept in the space humanely, I would imagine a dog being kept in a 150 square foot room would not be considered humane.

One piece of literature I have read indicates that an ESA may be turned down if the animal is too large to be kept in the space humanely, I would imagine a dog being kept in a 150 square foot room would not be considered humane.

When all factors  are considered in totality, the applicant's 2.7 income factor may be a "safe" risk, but if the other factors indicate a problem with this applicant's qualifications, he may prove to be riskier than you should permit.

I am not sure if it is just the rentals that they have or if it is an indication that it may be a difficult area for rentals. 

Not sure what everyone's market sentiment is here, but there is are pretty straightforward indicators that markets are cooling.