Note ADU addition in a MF zoned area may be comped with a duplex but I personally think this is wrong as a SFH with ADU is not a duplex.- it is cheaper to buy a property with an existing ADU than adding one   In addition you would receive RE purchase financing.  

However, because we don’t have much experience with this matter, are relatively new to being landlords, and come from a different culture, we wanted to understand if there are any particular considerations we should be aware of.I heard that it is illegal to ask about religion, national origin, and other personal information when we talk with tenants, even if we don’t have any bad intentions or discriminatory purposes.

What happens if one of you decides to buy a personal home and need the credit to qualify for a new loan so needs to sell this one to make it happen, but the other partner not ready to sell yet, or doesn't want the capital gains. 

Lastly, our DTI is maxed out per every lender we've spoken to recently as all the properties are mortgaged in our personal name.

The total cost of project is more than we can qualify for based on personal income, although our W2 income and credit score all work in our favor.

I would personalize it with a picture of yourself and sign the bottom to make it official.

You aren't acknowledging that you are just a middle person with no money so you are starting with an untruth, the quickest way to get someone to hang up on you.

Hi Melissa,This is of course a personal decision but personally I do not allow felonies in my screening process.~ Lindsey

Personally, I wouldn't live somewhere where I have people living above me as I am sensitive to noise. 

If so, you can get a DSCR loan without worrying about personal income.