Probably not but they are required to follow similar anti-discrimination practices.  

Another is the anti-landlord approach in the area.

In certain states you cannot leave but, those states where you are obliged to take/keep section 8 are very anti-landlord, so I would avoid them anyways.This is not to say there are not markets/situations where Section 8 makes sense.

I agree with you, I think most STR's in the city would shut down and maybe that's the ultimate goal - I know at least two council members are very anti-STR. 

I got into the anti-millionaires club this year, over $1M in debt!

At the city level there has been little effort to resurrect any anti STR regulations. 

It is one of the most anti-landlord areas in the US and it is not an area to enter into without serious thought. 

Walk every unit with an ipad, make written notes and pics of what each unit needs re upgrades--match that to remaining rental contract length.Have a professional inspection done, with a sewer cam, also be aware if anti backflow devices have been installed, and where they are at (exactly where they are at).Pay attention to the electrical system in the inspectors report.Walk the entire lot with the ipad and make written and pic notes of things you must improve, want to improve.You will need to have fixup dollars estimated for the needed repairs and upgrades.You may have to pay a General Contractor to walk with you to give you estimates.That's just a few things off the top of my head--there are many more.Good Luck!

It has to do with the bank's risk appetite with respect to Anti-Money Laundering regulations is all.

-Glasgow: political risk and turning anti landlord.