The key occupancy requirement for FHA loans is at the time of the original purchase—usually requiring you to live in the home for at least a year.If you've met the initial FHA loan requirement of living in the property for 12 months (which you would have by November 2024), you're typically free to move out and house-hack again, even if you choose the FHA streamline option If your goal is to acquire another property in Q1 2025, refinancing via FHA streamline shouldn’t prevent that.

Unfortunately creditor rights laws prevent the owner from verifying directly with the utility provider until a lien is filed which I always thought was unfair but this is a way to confirm the usage is being paid for real time. 

The IRS has strict rules preventing passive losses from offsetting active income unless you qualify as a Real Estate Professional (REP).

I had to rely on my new real estate agent to find another contractor, adding unnecessary stress to the process.The deal I was presented with had an ARV of $120,000, but after the rehab, the appraisal came in at only $92,000, leaving me short by $28,000.

But log siding is absolutely not going to prevent any lender from financing a home. 

It requires a higher down payment and remote management, which can be harder without a strong team.House hacking with a VA loan is better for hands-on management; DSCR is great if you're ready to start from a distance.From a tax perspective, if you intend to qualify as REPS or have material participation in STR, being overseas will prevent that.

How do you prevent them from running up crazy purchases?

Make sure you have cash reserves for 6 months , steady w2 job if things go south and do not plan unnecessary big ticket items until you stabilizeI have known people start with 40 k and used it to fund flips and work their way up and get Business Line Of Credit for 200 K in 2 years and after that of course it is very easy

So, my question is using "involuntary conversion provisions" prevents you from doing partial disposition, recognizing a loss for remaining depreciation on the old roof, and depreciating the new roof?

That means not traveling unless necessary, less going out to eat/drinking and avoiding unnecessary expenses of all types till your HELOC and CC debt is close to nothing.