It's not going to take much to tip the scale in your favor of likelihood of him living there. 

If a crime occurs the Tribal Police respond and sometimes the law tilts in favor of the local tribe member.

Given I've only been making money for the last 6 months freelance, this isn't working in my favor.

What I've heard is that there are good States to invest and become a Landlord and bad States - Grant Cardone for example speaks about this often.Are there new laws in Oregon that favor tenants over Landlords and limit how much I can raise rents - 10% limit or something? 

If you can get more favorable terms from relatives then go for it.

If no one else answers or appears to make a claim (as your post suggests would be the case in this instance), the judge can simply rule in your favor and the title is yours. 

I hope we can return the favor one day.Would love to connect with folks in the central and southern New Jersey area as well. 

The market is in your favor now, most likely. 

This is favorable to the sponsor but not to the investor.  

Preferably a lender licensed in NY.The national lenders don't offer the most favorable terms, and many credit unions/local banks cap the credit line at $200k.