Real is based on some kind of written contract or deed which gives them explicit interest in a property.

It's something that you have to explore and see what is best for you.We welcome everybody with open arms here at bigger pockets and I'm sure you'll be a great addition to the forum.

For an alteration we did in Garner, the permit explicitly said "ALTERATIONS ONLY, NO EXPANSION."

Nicole Graves@Nicole Graves My portifolio lender will finance a fix/flip as a conventional or ARM but does not offer any avenues for rehab line credit on a habitable house.

@Konstantin SamorodskiyWhether you need explicit permission from the local planning/zoning folks will depend on how the present zoning is defined and whether you are within the allowances/requirements  (distances from property lines, surface coverage, etc.)

In conjunction with having rental properties I thought it would be a good idea to purchase a property with the intention of selling in the next 3 years, by getting a 3/1 or 5/1 ARM loan, after equity is realized.

three words - "Arms-Length-Transaction".

Use arm's length lease-option documents along with the counsel of qualified professionals.

I am aware of the “fair market value - arms length transaction” that certain Agencies will be looking at, which may affect this and blow everything out of the water.

They are offering an amazing 5/1 arm for 1.9%.