If I wasn't certain her story tracked, I would ask for documentation of her 401k balance and her application to withdraw money.

They don't all offer the same servicers (default management, document services, tracking of taxes and insurance, escrows, etc.), but I am with you that communication and competency are key.

I FOUND THIS DEAL THROUGH WORD OF MOUTH I WAS TELLING DIFFERENT PEOPLE IN MY CIRCLE I WAS READY TO BUY AND LONG BEHOLD A BUDDY OF MINES WHO IS A REALTOR PRESENTED ME THE DEAL AND LET ME MEET THE OWNER WE HAD A GREAT CONVERSATION AS HE TOURED THE PROPERTY WITH ME HE EXPLAINED HE HAD HIGHER OFFERS BUT BECAUSE HE SEE IM A YOUNG GUY DOING THE RIGHT THING HE REALLY WANTED TO SELL IT TO ME AND THE REST IS HISTORY !

The fact that you already have multiple units fully rented is a big plus.If I were analyzing this, I’d start by verifying each cottage’s rental history, condition, and potential for adding more units or amenities.

When you go to sell, Montvale requires a certificate of occupancy so this issue has to be resolved in advance of a sale.Although I am not a lender, I assume you will not be approved for an owner-occupied mortgage on 5-units if it is a legal 4-unit without some type of mortgage fraud whether in reported rents, units, or another legal document or representation (very very large issue from a legal perspective with multiple arrests in the last year for anyone playing fast and loose).As far as the DCA, I would recommend coordinating your work with the city with the DCA.

The more challenging stipulation is you would need to use it more than 50% of the time for business use (and you need to log the miles to document that).  

What documents do they require, what credit scores do they allow, how do they verify previous rental history, etc.?

Last week was one of the best in the history of the portfolio if that tells you anything.I also have real estate connections in the country if anybody wants to connect.

I predict that the guys who are fully leveraged and cash flowing $100 per month will be motivated sellers when the next big correction happens.actually its either them or they walk and its their lenders selling that is what happened in that time period.. and was pronounced in certain markets.for me personally  I don't want to risk  my credit and finances and borrow 75k to make 1200 a year... or even 2400 a year if its a market that has a history of no appreciation and I don't feel there is going to be any significant appreciation.. 2 to 3% a year does not cut it.but I will take 500 a month negative or 10k a month negative if I think there are huge gains at the other end.. 

It couldn't hurt to call a couple attorneys right away to see what they say in terms of cost and suggestions for dealing with this quickly.In terms of mitigating any legal issues with your tenant be sure you are documenting every conversation you have had with the HOA in terms of asking them to make the necessary repairs.