I took @Andrew S. advice and contacted the city public works department.

We had the fortunate timing to attend a community outreach meeting with the police department and spoke with the beat officer for our property.

Certificates of Occupancy are issued by the building department.

Maybe the local or regional banks that have underwriting departments in house could give you a good idea if it was possible for a conventional mortgage.

Plan on calling at least 100 smaller boutique banks tomorrow and inquiring with their asset/management REO department.

This 3rd party is an attorney with "Loan Modification Department Manager" in their e-mail signature.

If yes, which Department would I be speaking to?

The portal or registered broker requirement is a gate keeper, a mortgage broker will not qualify as a regulated entity as they are talking about being regulated under the SEC and state finance departments, if applicable.It's really designed to dice up equity of a business and a mortgage or a deed can be a security instrument to pledge as a debt (bond) equity would be reflected by a note buyer's portfolio and issuing an interest in the company.

should probably have an in-depth discussion with both the building department and the zoning department before you close on the property.With a very extensive rehab like this you may have building code issues.

Check with the local fire department to find out about requirements and services they offer.