I would like to know more about the role of zoning attorneys and the potential costs of involving them in organizing and submitting the proposal to the appropriate departments.

If you are, I recommend buying a small multifamily and house hack to reduce your largest living expense while building equity.I recommend talking to a lender (i can connect you with one) about the income fluctuation and see how much you can qualify.Your best bet is to get a owner occupied loan with 30 yr fixed rate.

Another option can be using a Hard Money Lender, a lot of times there is just less red tape involved.

Your best bet is to find your local REIA, which you can search for on nationalreia.org. 

I'm going to bet that they either blocked or closed the vents in the  master bedroom and there isn't really a problem.Explain to them that you need to get it looked at and if they are not going to organize it, then you are taking matters into your own hand and doing it. 

Your best bet if you want to know that is calling the Section 8 Housing Assistant assigned to your tenant and asking, they may be able to calculate what it would look like.

I am getting ready to get involved in real-estate for the first time.

Johnny, I know exactly which lender your working with.I am going to tell you, there are better options.Look around a bit, That prepay is 5% fixed for 3 years.I wouldn't pay 22k to buy a rate down in a decreasing rate environment.A 7.75% on a 3,2,1 declining prepayment is a better bet. 

This way you know you are in good hands and that it will take minimal involvement from your end on all aspects of your investment.

A single member LLC is not as big of a deal, but once there is a partner involved, an attorney needs to be as well.