If you aren't sure if something is a good deal maybe you just need to spend more time educating yourself on analyzing and getting more familiar with your market until you feel comfortable knowing what constitutes a good deal in your area.

I was advised at the time that this was sufficient that if anybody ever complained about its being used as such (triplex rental property) this would be enough that any court would sustain the current use regardless of zoning or if it had been continuously occupied or not.If the property has 3 electric meters or other improvements that likely had permits in order to be converted for use as a triplex, then regardless of whether it had continued occupancy or not it might be OK.That said,  I am no land use attorney and you should probably ignore me and talk to one of them.I guess the other question is what constitutes 'high environmental standard' - high efficiency heating, plumbing and electrical is comparatively easy in many cases.   

What constitute repairs required for you to take ownership of the property? 

Gathering of family and friends does not constitute a "party" (loud, too many people, ETOH in large quantities).  

I have high standards and what constitutes taking care of the property to me may be totally different to a tenant.  

In all these cases, they would constitute a wholesale transaction and none of them broke the law or lead a seller astray.

Usury laws are the culmination of many different laws and regulations ranging from the state constitution to legislative bills to agency regulations.  

However, the Treasury Department and IRS recognize the difficulties taxpayers and practitioners may have in determining whether a taxpayer’s rental real estate activity is sufficiently regular, continuous, and considerable for the activity to constitute a section 162 trade or business.

What I find disconcerting is we're starting to discuss the possibility of a shutdown extending into an indefinite future.California had this problem a few years ago (its state constitution specifies a deadline the legislature must meet, but has no penalty for missing the deadline).

I believe in the Constitution, even when i don't like the result, like giving rights to scumbag murderers.