You can check the Auditor to verify.

I went to the county auditor’s website; I found the assessed value and tax info.

And since no one is asking for it from the outside, that is until the auditor shows up, then the temptation is to let it slip.

I have not had one auditor have a single issue with it.

Checkbook control, in my opinion, will also be like putting a bulls-eye on your forehead attracting the attention of IRS auditors.

Note that using a HML for purchase and rehab on the front end changes things completely, as the rate/term refi just replaces the HML loan (unless you get net cash out, then you still have to look forward to what that new cash is used for).Maybe some of the members that deal with IRS auditors on a daily basis can add their $.02.

So my city auditor's website is reporting the first home under my name today as "non-owner occupant".

Do you have the business basics covered, aka, attorney, accountant, and auditor?

We don't have the final numbers back from our auditor but he estimated a near 50% improvement from the original house!

It's just as beneficial for them, as it is for me to draw up - we're both auditors by trade, so mitigating/reducing risk as well as proper documentation is what we live on. haha.