If something like government placing Covid eviction moratorium that permits the tenants to not pay rent for a couple years without a means to evict happens, that can result in a purchase underperforming my underwriting. 

Did work get done in the past without a permit that they discovered?

Lenders are not permitted to disclose loan terms conditions or even borrowers names until the loan is in foreclosure.

"It is not legal to divide an existing dwelling unit into separated living spaces, thereby creating new dwelling units, without first obtaining DOB work permits,"  That would be an illegal conversion and can result in violations and other enforcement actions.

Yes, you can sell it.Sometimes Peoria will grandfather a duplex and refer to it as a "legal nonconforming" single family zoned property with duplex as permitted use.If this is the case the new owner will be able to legally and officially use it as a duplex.I have also heard of people finding an architect to declare that the house was originally built as a duplex, which would help you get it rezoned as multi-family and duplex as permitted use.PM me for more info.

If true I am now around position 40 and maybe only ~10 years for having a permit.  

Hey Luca, You could potentially get it inspected and go through a reverse permitting process.

Usually that serves as your VISA if you aren't in the States on a work permit, study permit etc.

can you house hack, or does your lifestyle / family situation not permit it? 

@Thomas Lee I closed on a 3plex on Willow St at the end of September (203k financing) and am just about to finish renovation (permits took a little longer than expected and this weather isn't helping the final mile).Regarding 26 Ella, my offer was around 365 with 203k financing (3.5% down).