The increased cash flow and the ability to pay down the loan more quickly are the biggest draws for me.Am I underestimating the time commitment of managing a multifamily property?

These penalties include:Five years in prisonUp to $500,000 in finesEquity Skimming may also result in Conspiracy charges, specifically conspiracy to commit bank fraud and false statements to influence a financial institution.

We are able to get great incentives and the ability to own an investment property that take a very light maintenance budget for the first few years is a huge plus.  

For years law enforcement has had there hands tied, they have been denied ability to make enforcement actions.

Through that lens I will try to answer your questions to the best of my ability:1.

The pet fee or deposit for the move in of 2 cats (you did charge one, I hope) should have just about covered the extra anyway.

Thats why we dont charge by hour for snow , its by the push , or by the inch . 

Being in the Army limits my ability to travel and explore markets firsthand.

I think hard money lender to take this risk cannot legally charge appropriately which means the law is working against you (the law meant to protect owner occupied owners from unfair loans).I agree with @Jay Hinrichs that your best option likely is to sell on the mls.  

Quote from @Jonathan Blanco: Is it worth seeking lenders with $0 lender fees (such as origination, processing and underwriting fees) or do they just get that money by increasing rates and charging higher points?