They are violating FL brokerage laws.

I am trying to obtain legal control of the property with mother in law and wife.

Not sure if this is strictly fair as the full rent would still be being paid under the terms of the lease by the other two tenants.I've gotten a lot of value from the insights on offer here on Bigger Pockets, and I'd appreciate any insight as to how you have handled similar issues in the past.

If they fall behind you can file a motion to life the stay. had this exact same thing happen to me late last yearI am told that the minute they are late with a payment now, the motion is filed and grantedthey are also required by the court to set up a repayment schedule, and are strictly held to that too. unfortunately, that schedule may be long.

If your friend wanst to create a somewhat segregated space for a long term roommate inside the residence I don't know that the HOA can really do anything about that without violating federal law...

For your small rehabs how do you find as well as oversee contractors as well as dealing with local permits & laws?  

First...let's cover the law.  

Ideally you should hire an attorney that's local to the property you found as there're laws that could apply locally that one must know!

Have you looked into single family homes with mother in law suites?

I’m a law abiding citizen.