One of the first things i request all my Foreign national clients to do is attain a tax ID Number and a government issued document bearing a photograph.

Letting tenants pay for PITI and more but not getting a tax deduction on costs you otherwise bear yourself is not so bad.  

I know constructive criticism can come across as snippy, so please bear in mind I'm saying this in the spirit of wanting you to succeed. 

Having a paid of mortgage, although a bad business decision has zero bearing on whether you want to operate the home as a rental or as free housing for the homeless.  

I was quoted $300 for engineer stamps that are required by the City of Houston when doing significant structural changes like removing load bearing walls.

Back-taxes of ~$2650 (headed toward tax deed auction, but perhaps not for another month or so because there is no set date yet)Total Liens add up to ~$6,000, without any interest the city may have added since they have been unpaid for a few years - I'm still waiting to hear back on that, but I don't think they were interest bearing liens. 

We have a minimum $50,000 loan amount and require some reserves to be shown in any retirement account bearing your name.

It is the HOA that bears the burden to show evidence.

Other option is consulting an agent or broker, but am concerned about committing to paying commissions that he market may not bear.  

Now you may think it matters, as you're hoping I'll take only a few k over the mtg, but to me it has no bearing on value.