Its a slippery slope with legislation, but if I can ride this wave for as long as I can I can put away some serious cash, so that if/when things change I will be well prepared to change my strategy into accumulating long term rentals or something like that.

Have you contacted your state legislators?  

I believe the state legislators should see what is going on in their state and be able to take appropriate action to protect sellers. 

You have to check your city legislation for what is the amount of tenants you can have in a 2 bedroom apartment. 

There was some legislation enacted to curtail its manufacture and use, long before 1978.

It also helps to get involved with local landlord groups (GBAOMA, MAOMA, CMAOA, etc) who help stay on top of legislative issues and lobby to keep them aligned in our favor whenever possible.

Here's another link mentioned legislation introduced in Feb of this year on the topic.http://nlihc.org/press/releases/7507Doesn't seem likely that will make much headway in DC.Probably good to consult with a landlord/tenant attorney before taking any action.

And I think (I haven't kept up with the legislation) you can't ask an applicant about previous criminal court matters, but there is nothing saying you can't go to dccourts.gov and look them up or the Maryland Court website and look it up yourself.

"My" tenants are not having a hard time at all.We are going through some issues here in NJ with legislation, the majority of it brought about by absentee slumloards.

Are you planning to make the building energy efficient in your restoration work ... what other updates will be required by regulation / legislation?