Real estate agents, mortgage lenders, title companies and escrow companies are familiar with harried changes to the HUD-1 closing statement and to mortgage documents, which changes often lead to aggravating delays and additional costs.As of August 1, 2015 our closing table dramas are scheduled to come to an end.The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), Federal legislation enacted in 1974 to protect consumers from unscrupulous and confusing real estate practices, is changing in several significant ways.

(That's a hallmark of poorly written legislation, see HIPPA and the Affordable Care Act for further examples.)  

But I can say from experience that in NYC it is tremendously challenging and expensive (for the landlord) as legislation was passed at the state level in New York a few years ago, and then enhanced even further in the city specifically.1) 60% (or 51%?

I was excited to get more insight with another hour of great ideas in  BP 16-- dealing with Seller-Financing, Private Money, etc. but to my dismiss  I heard only a 4minute announcement that "We had to remove this program because new legislative ' Dodd-Frank' rendered many of its recommendations illegal."  

It seems to be more an anti-gauging legislation than anything else. 

Many people do this, for example, buy helping aunts/uncles/family friends with retirement accounts from previous jobs set up a self-directed IRA which can then loan on the project (though see handsoffmyira.com for an important and immanent legislative threat to this funding model).I honestly feel like a lot of it does come down to the purchase price though.

On the legislative front the Senate sent it's non-binding version on the tax bill to the House several weeks ago. 

First, refi cash out maybe 70% LTV, which is tax free and avoids the Federal capital gains tax  which is under consideration to increase until legislation under consideration. 

I am looking to see if there is a map of places that are more friendly or less friendly towards short term rentals. The Airbnb site used to have one apparently but I have been unable to find it. TIA for any help with ...

I question to you would then be do you think your efforts are best spent filing the police report and chasing the tenant or possible spending it speaking with your local and state legislators explaing your situation and helping them to understand the impact of the things they vote on.