I then paid cash (certified check) for the property at closing.

Otherwise, I will be checking out all the content here.   

I've wondered if for example it even makes sense on a NNN retail building.Maybe if your CPA can do it cheap as part of their tax return service fee for you.Hopefully just your normal straight line depreciation is the way to go, but check with your CPA and see if they think it is worthwhile for you.   

We deal with this on a regular basis in the Hood were we invest. 100% talk, zero action. 

Plenty of companies can do a AML check and you can make that cost as part of your origination process.As a FYI, we had someone fail a AML / KYC check because they were a former drug runner in a cartel.

I'm in NW montana and post regular market updates for NW Montana regions.  

I usually head to the house once a quarter to check up on things and fix anything that might need to be repaired (and of course have some fun up there).

I will check it out.

If someone came to stay as an overnight guest for a weekend they were not concerned. if there were two people sharing a room on a regular basis that are not related then that would put you over the limit in a four-bedroom house. so you get four unrelated people in a four-bedroom house.

Yes for sure - you should definitely check out hard money loans to assist with the purchase and then "DSCR Loans" for the cash-out refinance (DSCR Loans are made particularly for investors like you - no DTI or W2 considered at all)Published an article last year on BP on this exact topic (BRRRR method financing options) hope it helps!