Here's the actual law with the important part underlined:§ 55.1-1251.

It depends on the state laws where the property is located.

Division enforces the law, they aren't the P.C. police.

Yep, the non-disclosure law in Mississippi is a pain.

They work in a very grey area of law and don't know anything about the law. 

That leaves millions of middle-income Americans with little choice but to keep renting, helping to keep overall rents high.Some cities and states are enacting new laws to aid tenants facing eviction.

My father in law had purchased one of those for about $40,000 before he died.

I don't want to break the law, I just want to make a better business decision.

I work with dozens of investors who have done 1031's into the souther/middle part of the country where the price points are much easier and the laws are more friendly.

I think you are looking for the % rents can be raised under the Oakland rent control laws.