If it's open we lock it up.If it's occupied we reach out to the occupant to find out their status and1) Pay them to Move Out2) Post pay or quit notice in preparation for eviction3) if it is a tenant, and I want to keep them, notify them I am the new owner and have them sign the lease.I would verify with a local attorney to get the details on how you evict someone and what you might need to do to work with a current tenant.Get the property insured - if its vacant, you want a vacant policy if it is occupied a landlod policy.You sure can hire an inspector to inspect if you would like, but the county does not care.And based on your questions, I would suggest a little training on buying houses at Auction - I know Auction.com is planning a free workshop sometime in the next month or so.

Also with corporate tax cut to 20% does it now make more sense for many small to mid size investors to change their corporate status?

Depending on the seller (Fannie / Freddie ) have affidavits that are signed by Both the Listing Agent, Purchaser and Buyers Agent attesting to occupancy status of purchaser if Buying as owner occupant.

There is a recent update (6/6/2019) about the status of this saga.

Situation:A two family which is now has a Upstairs Apartment and downstairs is a legal office.The Question:Can you convert it back to it's original space even though it has been zoned to it current status now?

Since Buyer #2 is going with a less traditional lender that is more lenient with their self-employed status, my theory is that perhaps they will be also more lenient with the whole underwriting process. 

I am currently back home with my parents, and plan to purchase my first home in about 6-7 months with the intention of staying under the first time home buyer status and having the opportunities to use resources available to first time home buyers. 

Generally speaking, geography is less relevant with 2nd liens unless there's high equity and the risk is more statistical (i.e. your past data) and more dependent upon occupancy and senior lien status.

  (2) Lower interest rate for home owners  (3) Slightly better insurance rate  (4) Tax free capital gains tax of 250k to 500k depending on your marital status. (4) Itemized tax deduction benefit (5) You are your best renter!  

Your landlord has 30 days to provide your information regarding the status of your security deposit.