For qualification they include usually minimum payments on credit cards etc not the principal.If you're really low income, maybe it's better to find a lender who does "stated income" but there need to be proof: bank statement etc.I'd try another loan officer, maybe mortgage broker who would search for different options.Take a look at the topics here: there were explanations how Rental income would count and @Chris Mason even referred the source where to get the info first hand

We have done houses and cash for office.

There is a big caveat to that though, which is that (1) I haven't entered into any LPs myself, and (2) the clients I work with are large real estate investors not using conventional bank financing.However, I did make loans to LPs as a bank officer prior to practicing law.

I have a co-worker whose dad own rentals in Baltimore who charges utilities back to his tenants and finally gave copies of bills to his tenants after years of arguing with them, mainly college students who rent rooms.

You will need to contact your local buildings department office for those answers. 

Is Brad someone from an office local to you, though?

These are not allowed due to the zoning and since the property is in proximity to the airport which places density requirements on the parcel.My plan is to move into the house and fix the other building up into office space to rent out. 

I have a few attorneys that our office highly recommend that would love to help you!

@Andrew Mercer its highly unlikely that you will be able to add another unit so before you start anything research with the local code enforcement office to check if there are occupancy permits for the existing 3 units and if a fourth can be added.

I called my AC company here in Long Beach, CA and asked by chance if they knew any company they would recommend in Phoenix and they did; one of the worker's mother lived there.