If I JV on a property..as its my 1st one... does this prevent me from using this property/equity to obtain another deal on my own?

What a deed-in-lieu may prevent is having the documents preparatory to a foreclosure being recorded and become a matter of public record.deed of trustSome states, like California, do not record mortgages.

Without selling, I want to tap into some of it for investing purposes, but I've got the good old favorite DTI hurdle that's preventing me from more easily accessing it from a conventional lender (I checked with a credit union already).

The old hardwood flooring may be in good enough condition for me to refinish and stain over.

There were other concerning items like a hardwired smoke alarm taken down, the new fridge handle that I had purchased ($60) was not on the fridge, and there was fallen paint and a large water stain on the kitchen ceiling (2 baths and wash/dryer above that area).

And by the way, contrary to some agents beliefs, in FL this does not prevent you from putting the property back on the market.This is going to happen occasionally, but the clauses you suggested will hurt You in selling the property.

There are hard water line stains on the cinder blocks indicating flooding has been an issue before.

We're able to compensate for that by requiring a co-signer (no double deposits allowed in NH), but the inability to validate identity on the screening platform through questions based on credit bureau records prevented him from being able to complete the eviction and criminal history screening.

I really don't see the need, especially if they can just close down shop and open a new Co next year with a new license, or does the state prevent that? 

Corner cutting is fine, until it kicks back suits, liens etc. on you or property; then it seems not so good to skip a little preventative maint step.