But I don't know if 1. there's a specific process we have to go through with the city for it to be recognized as a duplex down and 2. we plan to say in the listing that the tenants cannot use the basement as living space, just as rec space/office/etc, but I don't know if that's enough to cover me in the event of a lawsuit for example that there's a fire down there and someone sleeping down there gets hurt.

Lastly, on this topic, he told me that on the refinance side of it, especially starting off, to not expect the full LTV (loan to value) ration on the refinance, that usually what a loan officer will tell you is, "up to".

FTC Suit Leads to $16.7 Million Judgment Against Principals and Celebrity Endorsers of Real Estate Investment Training Program | Federal Trade Commission  familiar with Nudge been to their offices in Provo .. not sure they still have them.. but keep in mind they also do support for non RE gurus.. 

My thinking is that since the basement is an illegal unit, we'd put in the lease that the garden can be used for rec space/gym/office space but not as bedrooms, no one should live there/sleep there. 

There you will be asked your criteria and then after answering a few questions you will be matched with 3-5 agents or loan officers in your area.

Hi all, I've been having difficulties finding the correct search criteria for properties that have a store front or office space plus residential quarters.

Sorry you had that headache with the office building!

Think about going to see there office 

Keep it simple, call your local building inspection office and ask what are the rules for homeowners /investors working on their own houses.

Loan officers or the particular lender  have nothing to do with the decision but some do like to take credit.