I am a learner investor of Polish origin living in New Zealand, taking each step cautiously.

The entity wanting  "triplex comps" was the lender--not FNMA; I think they were still a little skittish, erring ridiculously to the cautious side after the crash.

But I would want to err on choosing one that is more cautious.

The 2% rule-of-thumb should provide you with a strong margin.Just be cautious about vacancies.

I would be cautious to use them.

I would be cautious the business model you are using to purchase this duplex.

when we sell a property we are very cautious on mid to higher priced properties that we are dealing with buyers with the ability to close, on low priced properties we are willing to roll the dice and don't require POF.

Most HML these days will be uber cautious about this anyway.. so you probably won't get a HML unless they are darn sure you can refi

(It doesn't matter if it was lobbyists, or Santa Claus that pushed the State into regulating the activity, once it's a law, it's a law) Rather than warning people to be cautious where they discuss their business, it would make more sense to warn everyone to check with the State Department of Real Estate in the state you will be doing business; and find out for certain, whether or not wholesaling is legal.  

The last 2 are well past the year if they were tenant occupied and the "act" applied to them.Maybe I am being overly cautious, but it doesn't make sense.