When one looker was questioned, she mentioned she was the owner of the house across the street and wondered why there's a big, long line.

Like the gentleman above mentioned, the 1% rule is more difficult to find now than in previous years. 

For consulting with a CPA.As mentioned above you can simply take monthly distributions, but what is most important is how you are set up. 

The tenant is understandably frustrated and has mentioned safety concerns due to slipping hazards caused by the water.

Please mention city and state in your response. 

Something I forgot to mention is I’ve been in the house since 2017, so the 2/5 year rule shouldn’t matter.

As mentioned earlier in the thread by @Chris Seveney, real estate prices have been going up particularly in Northern New Jersey, so a lot of tax appeals are pointless or do not make any sense.

As already mentioned, he wouldn't be able to use rent from roommates to help qualify but based on the numbers you shared there should be a VA option available considering how much flexibility there is. 

Does the TL get 20% even though:- technically I am not mentioned as being on any team in the brokerage system and the commitment letter has the wrong brokerage logo- I have not signed any other documents/team contracts as the TL never handed me any to sign but was supposed to- my COI/SOI leads have not signed any buyer's/seller's agreements with me but may next yearDo I have to do an exit interview (even though there was no mention of it at any time or in the commitment letter)?

One thing I am finding is the reviews for some mentioned firms are all over the map.