There are some small modifiers, but it generally never gets out of whack from that value, like residential real estate does.Commercial real estate:1) generally generates more cash flow per square foot than residential2) leases are much longer (other than apartments) and can last five to as long as 20 years.

I was wondering if anyone on here is or can point me to a investor friendly RE attorney in central Ohio ( I'm on the east side) to review and modify if needed some real estate contracts I have.

I suggest modifying the structure slightly.

Personally, I never paid much attention to the influence points and would not have a problem with keeping the current system, modifying the system or getting rid of it all together.

The owner is still in the house, you own the loan, and you can modify the loan to the terms that you agree upon aka Principal Reduction.

Is there a way to modify the 50% rule of thumb to account for this?

You could modify the lease with the company and/or both he and the company in the lease, but make Him sign a personal guarantee.

I'll definitely start modifying my research criteria to drive better results.

Being a pretty regular note buyer of both 1st and 2nd lien non performing/performing notes as I invest in notes for a living, I could answer some of the following:I invest in every state except NY, NJ, MA, CA, IL(only Cook County)I always want to modify a non-performing note before I have to forecloseIf you show me notes that I have seen from another person, and you aren't the owner of the notes on the title, I will never deal with you again unless your a registered Broker/Dealer and your selling on someone's behalf.  

You should see:BuildingOther StructuresContents (Personal Property)Loss or Use (Loss of rents for the rental)LiabilityMedical PaymentsThere may be differences in the policy forms and endorsements but many are used by both types of policies.There are some companies that actually use a Homeowners form for a fully rented 1-4 family and then add endorsements modifying the coverage.I would, in writing, verify with your agent that the policy on the Rental is for a fully rented out property.