If you are holding it as a rental I would consider back filling 6" of soil around the beautiful foundation walls you built to make the porch under 30" (code compliant) and then add the railings at a later date if you want to sell or improve the look further, or when the finances permit it.Best of luck!

It's rare to see private or hard money mortgage include escrowed taxes and insurance, I've got to imagine there is a very good reason (or reasons) for it.On the conventional mortgage front, it often seems to be an area where loan servicers ONLY ask "is this compliant?"

Make sure your criteria is compliant with non-discrimination laws.

I understand to stay Dodd Frank compliant I need to keep lease separate from option to buy.Do I collect a security deposit on the lease?

Single story, ada compliant, stucco exterior, granite countertop, tile back splash.

This includes minor things like neighbors putting trash in front of your building so they won't get fined, weeds that grow 4" a day and the ever-dreaded snow where you'll need a local snow removal guy to be compliant. 

Be sure everyone entering and handling that mess wears some appropriate safety gear - breathing masks, at the very least, head covering, eye protection, good strong gloves resistant to penetration and disposable outer wear which is discarded at least daily, or as needed when heavy soils are encountered.Consider going hazmat compliant.

Its really not the servicers fault, they are just protecting their license and mitigating any fines for servicing a loan that is not compliant with federal the federal statute.

@Chris Seveney, I would be compliant in all aspects of this and any future tapes...

I don't want to get into a deal where I think there are only small repairs and then find out that something is not code compliant and then spend more money than expected.