My suggestion is to simply file the BOI requirement.

I like both of your ideas so I would look for the single where an ADU is permitted or one with a dump ADU to renovate (that's best) and balance that against the purchase of a 2-4 unit.

The requirement to do this generally involves an experienced GC signing on the borrowing entity as a 20+% owner thus making them a signatory on the loan and responsible for the debt which in most cases is not very easy to find.

.: In a prior post from about 2 months ago, Kerry Malarkey and Nathan Gesner mentioned a small landlord is exempt from FHA requirements requiring the acceptance of emotional support & assistance animals if one of the following is true:"Owner-occupied buildings Properties with four units or fewer that are owned and lived in by the ownerSingle-family homes Homes that are sold or rented without a broker by the owner, as long as the owner doesn't own more than three at once" (Quote from Nathan's reply))https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/1219359-pitbu...Given this, if a landlord does qualify for the exemption, what exactly does this mean? 

That's a fundamental requirement.

I wanted to get back in the game again but don’t have much in reserves that most if not all HML require.

The notes, being in default had an unpaid balance of $3.2million.  

It will be a can of worms for sure and they may go as far as requiring a full tear out and fresh submittal.

If so I would thoroughly ready this to see what they require and what you agreed to.I doubt you can keep your permit if you refuse their inspection.If you are doing everything as you should, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.

This requires a rental income that meets the following requirements (click to enlarge):Where to buy?