Cash strapped governments are increasingly targeting developers with fees from many angles.

Anything 2-4 units is considered multi-family residential as far as FHA (and all other government back loans) is concerned.

If any non government leins were in existence,  they're  wiped out.  

Don't buy a foreclosed/REO property and state that you are an owner occupant when you are an investor.On properties with ties to the Federal government, like HUDs, VAs, Fannies, Freddies, USDA, etc, it is a Federal felony subject to 5 years in jail and a $250,000 fine.Don't do the crime unless you can do the time... and I haven't the repo worth that time.

My rental is a townhouse governed by an HOA (I know I know, they're terrible).  

Check out the rent control ordinance online for Oakland.http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/hcd/o/Rent...It would not apply to an owner occupied duplex.I also suggest going one of the upcoming Landlord 101 meetings at the EBRHA - the East Bay Rental Housing Assn.  

Believe it or not, sometimes the taxes come with the land (seen it in FL)2 Take a look at whether the property is governed by an HOA or LOA - an association.  

I would also say we learned that you can’t trust the government, that is a general statement and not political.

(Sorry, I'm about to get ranty here for a minute, but this is a hot button for me).Wikipedia estimates that on average over the last 10 years, the US Government loses about $340 million dollars EVERY YEAR to this type of small time fraud.  

Yes, you have come to the right place, or one of the right places to learn about real estate.Before you begin, I suggest you read a blog I'm about to post that contains new federal regulations from the FTC that govern real estate dealings.