Returns today aren't as high in general as they were a few years ago, but that applies across the industry. 

You will need to provide a notice of pay or quit and typically your lease allows you to apply late fees at that time. 

We know we could apply for a zoning change, but that process could/would take months and we are beyond ready to move onto our next investment.Has anyone else come across problems like this, where the lender is going down a rabbit hole and denying funds because of something that could possibly happen in the future?

Murphy's Law applies like a mother to REI.First, if you are doing all the project picking/analyzing/Comp Analysis and you don't know the market, and you don't know the formulas, and your numbers are wrong? 

Specifically, does the regulation still apply if I am the host and reside adjacent to the rental property?

S&Ls use to partner in housing developments, same issues applied.

The 'rule of thumb' that everyone should ALWAYS follow is... educate yourself and verify everything - Whenever you put money into any investment you need to research the rules that apply to that investment strategy from alternate sources and verify what you are being told - Never make an investment if you don't understand the issues and verify every claim made through county public records and other, 3rd party sources. 

The purpose of this test is to ensure that the property generates enough rental income to cover the property's mortgage payment, including principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and homeowners association dues (if applicable).Key Points of the FHA Self-Sufficiency Test:Applicable Properties: The self-sufficiency test applies only to 3- or 4-unit properties being purchased or refinanced with an FHA loan.

My questions above apply to them. 

@Robert Rixer, I don't know how creative these are, as many are common plays:Valet TrashFencing in first floor yardsProviding washer and dryers for added rentReserved, Covered parkingTech PackagesInternet and Cable contracts, with reimbursementsPayment Plan rents, with small service charge (i.e. bill 1/4 rent each week)Reserved Rental cabanas at poolPrivate pool party rental optionGolf Simulator in clubhouse - fee basedOn site, self serve car wash (quarter feeder style)Charged group fitness/personal training servicesGame room in clubhouse with monthly subscription for tenants (Xbox, Playstation, etc)Changing out high maintenance grass for astro turf or lower maintenance/lower water use shrubberyBut ultimately, I think a lot of NOI increases come from deep dive into understanding EVERY expense and finding ways to minimize them, and/or no outsource them.Train maintenance team on basic HVAC and appliance repairs (find way to get them licensed as needed)Buy paint sprayers for faster, easier turns versus having to hire a contract painter, and possibly repaint whole unit each timeStandardize all finishes, so you can buy in bulk, everything from hinges and door knobs to cabinets, paint colors, and light fixtures.Potentially get leasing people onto lower base salary with higher bonus potentialBulk/bundled insurance across portfolio (even better at scale is to self insure)Regularly test sprinkler systems for leaks.Non-NOI, but benefit to you: partner with insurance agency to get referral kickbacks from your tenant base for renter insurance.