I will caution you that if they pull something like this and you immediately start offering any concessions as is repeatedly addressed above - this type of personality will make note of that and the threats will be ongoing for the duration of their tenancy.

I would add to this account every month, allowing me to pull from it whenever there was a large repair or capex event. 

This list was pulled directly from Raleigh’s website here:Raleigh Permits for ADUs and Guidelines Click Here to ViewTo find your specific lot’s zoning, use IMAPS: https://maps.raleighnc.gov/imaps/2.

I have yet to have a guest ask for a refill or mention the quality (I tried to pick a nice-looking, not-too-expensive brand).Be careful with the scents -- I had a run of people pulling out and hiding the scents and one or two people complained that they were scent-sensitive in private notes. 

If you can save money and renovate and the ARV allows you to pull your intial capital out sooner, I say go for it!

If I find a deal on an area I would consider living when I move back I would like to be able to pull the trigger and possibly refinance into an owner-occupier loan once I move back to the US.  

I wish I could pull something off like that... basically, its a fee to make sure you don't waste the lenders/broker's time.

I signed up with them about 3 to 4 months ago, then found out how expensive the loan was to get going with them and told them that I would self finance it instead but they had to cancel the loan first...they use a company called Special Financing Company..the person I spoke to at REI his name is Paul, he said he would take care of canceling the loan, but a month later I realized that they were pulling $599 out of my bank account.

That’s if you are on top of everything don’t have to fight insurance for a full payout, have an architect you immediately start working with drafting plans and pulling permits, secure a construction loan, and hire a contractor who prioritizes your construction.

Something to consider to is that if you are able to refinance after the addition and pull out some or all of your new investment and the cashflow still makes sense then by all means I think go for it.