Its great that the seller is will to carry a note in a seller 2nd as well, that will help reduce your require monthly payment with the right lenders.

Do have an idea of your preferred acquisition price and how much rehab might be required? 

Our laws require us to offer a rental first come first served (first completed application that qualifies must be offered the unit).

The higher insurance premium required a higher escrow payment which the original borrower didn’t let me know.  

It was never required or nessecarily nessecary.

I know they are compensated per unit for the inspection, do you think it would be an issue if I just registered a fifth unit and made sure it met all the requirements?

I wouldn't be surprised if Boston required this type of "remote eco-mitigation." best regards,Chris

.- You should have required the tenant to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement, indemnifying you against any of their claims.

I'm sure it's a little more efficient in larger cities, but my market requires up to 60 days to get approval.Lower your expectations with Section 8 tenants.

typically no special license is needed when doing it for hard money loans that I am aware of. there may be states like california and nevada that are tricky where lenders need a license of some sort but for most part brokers i have seen are not licensed. 14 or 15 states require state license and NMLS registration.