This would save time and ensure a fair, uniform process for all applicants.

To me it’s a challenging game, an intricate puzzle where if you learn how to play you get great results.

If your goal is to offset your mortgage with a house hack then Lowell would be a good bet, but if you're looking for a longer term appreciation play then the areas closer to the city would be better, although the offset from cashflow may be lower than what you're looking for.A good step for you would be to dig into specific areas more as @Lien Vuong noted above.

Quote from @John Williams: Quote from @Daniel McDonald: @John Williams like Bruce mentioned area is going to play a huge part. 

I have a good friend who has some great data on all the different neighborhoods - I am happy to share that with you.Also, if you don't have a lender already, I have some rockstars that I know like and trust.What sport do you play?

Others have found value in some rather expensive upsell's and many people on BP have stated that they have spent a fair amount on programs. 

I'm fairly handy and have good contractor connections.

Indeed, the FAIR ordinance is anything but fair to non-corporate landlords, seemingly punished for investing in rental houses to generate income as an alternative to stocks and bonds.A handful of opportunists likely could learn to exploit these new rules, preying on otherwise law-abiding landlords to obtain legalized shake-down payments.

To be fair it's possible that the home inspector explained that it's not up to current code but that it doesn't have to be, and the buyer/ buyer's agent may have misunderstood that to mean there is actually a problem with the deck. 

@Lynkeisha Dixon I’ll play devils advocate.