Basic staging with an agent usually means they give you insight into how you should:Declutter and depersonalize by removing photos and personal itemsArrange your furniture to improve the room’s flow and make it feel biggerAdd plants, move art, or re-arrange other accessoriesFull-service staging is another option if your house needs more hands-on attention.

I am not a realtor, so I cannot give advice as though I am one, but there are some guidelines that I have used personally over the years, with great success.

I don't have a solution but I think a real estate attorney or a title attorney would be a good person to talk to.

I would personally use some of that equity and get started with your first property.

If the IP addresses are the same for each signee, then there is a chance that the same person signed. 

Trust me, I have been there.I suggest you try to House hack in cities that you are already familiar with and have some connection with.Hire a great investor agent in that market and ask them all your questions and concerns.That I believe is the best way to get personalized advice tailored to your goals and lifestyle.You giving out Cleeveland and Toledo on your post will only attract biased opinions and advise.Only you know what you truly like, want, and can deal with.As Nicolas said, read this post and comments and hope that gives you a new perspective. https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/12/topics/1215726-break...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/963/topics/1195280-expe...https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/1137397-balti...Goodluck and keep us posted.

Not in Austin TX, now it is Austin CA where you make your money on Appreciation but you have to hope the market rewards you.  

In fact, New Jersey law prohibits you from listing personal identifiers on the form. 

Does anyone know stats on this or have personal experience in this region?

This reminds me of a police officer  pulling somebody over without reasonable cause and asking to search their vehicle and if the person does not consent, they’re saying you must have something to hide.