We pride ourselves on having a decent family environment.

The environment is also very beneficial if you take advantage of it.

For example, if I am not bound by a law regulating the industry is it better for me?

In a lower return environment (like now), JV's start to look less expensive.JV's are what really can scale you up since you don't need to put your own cash in.

We also have regulations that it has to be able to heat to 68 degrees minimum in all habitable rooms or something along those lines.

Also, what are laws and regulations I should be aware of in NC for a lease to purchase?

The notion that Lyft or Uber should be illegal is absurd, and yet we see police running stings for Uber drivers in some cities.So in conjunction with good realtors figuring out how to changed their business model over time, I fully expect to see the NAR pushing "consumer protection" measures that require agents/realtors.And, if you will indulge me in trotting out one of my hobby horses, this is one of the reasons why it is a really bad idea for the "REI" community to be pushing/engaging in questionable practices that will provide the justification for those bad regulations.  

You Will need a permit for window replacements, as per regulations anyway.

Is anyone aware of any similar acts, rules, regulations, laws, etc., in states of Oregon, Nevada or California?

The term is also used to refer to the bank regulation which governs these activities.