It’s important to examine the legal basis for the governments action.

I take 1/2 total upfront and balance due 60 days prior to arrival.

If that is the case, to understand this you have to look at the previous year's taxes for valuation - especially what the taxable value was for the prior owner.I suspect this is very much a first time buyer's issue - where you weren't expecting the increase, but typically there is an increase to market value.  

Hey @Tony Thomas, I won't speak to the tax side (not a tax pro) but from a bookkeeping perspective, this will complicate your operations (and, bookkeeping as a result) quite a bit.So, ensure you have super powerful incentives from an REI-savvy attorney and an REI-savvy tax advisor prior to making this move.Some of our Clients have implemented this in the past (prior to working with us) and their businesses weren't large enough to justify the complications that come with this type of structure.Hope that helps!

I have a 9-5 that I want out of but want to secure at least my first property prior to leaving it.

Again, others might feel differently here.3) property level due diligence: (takes seconds to weeks per deal): here is where I drill in with the low-level details.a) pro forma popping: I examine all the assumptions, and see if they are overoptimistic or not.

The ones that do ask you for a budget will scrutinize your planning and make sure they agree with your numbers prior to issuing a loan approval.   

@Archie BarrettJust wanted to say that there are MANY reasons to consider a DSCR loan vs a conventional loan, not ONLY if you do not qualify for a conventional loan due to DTI.Possible DSCR Benefits:Can do cash out refi prior to 1 year seasoning of the mortgageCan do cash out refi with no seasoning of ownership (with some lenders)Can do a loan with much less paperwork (this comes more into play every time you add a property)Can close on a DSCR loan directly in your LLCCan have your DSCR loan not report on credit (depending on the lender)DSCR loans can be cheaper than conventional loans for many credit scores and down payments.

In the Great Recession, I saw large cabins selling for 25% of what they sold for just 2 years prior.  

It had been a bit and the fire marshal went in to that property (prior to it closing) and made a list.