I bought the building in very rough shape and have spent the last couple years spending a lot of time and money renovating (but only income from the building, not my own!).

Second--  Absolutely  charge a non-refundable  pet fee, and pet rent.Depending on the tenant and the house, I would probably pass if it's completely renovated.

This interior change forced us to consider the short term rental market and how it could actually be a desirable feature for this market where a group may be interested in renting both sides like adjoining hotel rooms.Our total cash into the renovations was extensive ($95,000). 

@Jonathan Partsch One key tip with this type of renovation is not overdoing it...i.e. renovate accordingly in relationship to the asset class.

What you are referring to is a construction policy  which could run you closer to $400-$500/month depending on several factors such as scope of work, renovation costs, size of the property etc.

There are a lot of properties in need of renovation that could make great rentals. 

The smaller banks and credit unions might charge you 0.5% or so higher than the larger banks, but they'll have the products you'll need.

On top of that the rest of the neighborhood's comps are going to drag down the price so low that you'll likely end up with more money into the renovation than the property appraises for.

Wanted to go into larger multifamily properties through syndication.

Interview several, including some small local banks, they may be more relationship focused than the larger banks.