I always tell the truth when asked about it because now it's part of my identity. a quick google search will bring it up.

They will also look at current properties listed for sale, properties which are active-contingent, and pending sale to make a case for their number.You ask what they value "Most"- that would be a recent sale of an identical property, close to your property. 

In my personal finances, I hold an umbrella LLC in a state that protects my identity (no state taxes) and holds multiple LLC for the properties I own.

Other than offering to be fluid with his 45 and 180 day limitations (identity in 45 days, close in 180), what else can we include in our offers to make them more appealing?

You could ask the seller to provide cancelled checks showing they paid what they think, you could bring your printed copy of the Hoa forms to their management, you could ask the owners of any identical sized properties in the same Hoa.

Just don't, the insurance is way more expensive and tenants see it as identical to a home not in a flood zone so they aren't willing to pay more, it can be difficult to sell, and if it is at a discount now it will likely be at a discount when you go to sell it, not to mention it could get flooded obviously.

Originally posted by @Jon Vert:I'm buying a house in Los Angeles which has a garage that was converted to a guesthouse (i.e. it has nice finished floors, no garage door, a bathroom with toilet/sink/shower and kitchenette with sink/electric stovetop).A friend of mine bought a house in Lakewood (CA) that seems identical to yours except it doesn't have any kitchen/cooking items, and I'm told it was permitted years ago as a "rec room".

@Jerry About 2 years ago I went through an identical scenario with one of my condo units.The short story is it depends on your bylaws and the circumstances.In my case, my coverage and the HOA coverage happened to be with the same company. 

I guess I was mainly worried about the typical 6 months to a year they require but yes everything is nearly identical just switching companies. 

I"m almost fully subsidized....but not a 100% hack.I'd argue that when you move out and start renting (after the 1 yr minimum requirement on your VA or FHA loan) both of the above rentals are identical, in terms of rent/purchase price or cap rate or cash on cash or other metric.So....it's easier to house hack a quad than a duplex.