If you purchase first and then add 2nd owner after it can be done.

One property owner said he didn't do that, which gave them free reign to move the sign anywhere on the property.

Owner builder or building with a Contractor are questions I need answered plus any info I can get to improve my changes of getting a competitive loan. 

If you're buying as an owner occupant, your interest rate will be about 1% lower, so you'd be closer to 35% down.But with low risk real estate investments you typically have an appreciating asset, and high rent growth.But if you are buying with a VA loan with 0% down the reality is 100% leverage, it will take many years and interest rate drops to get to break even.

You can find some on the Neighborhood Building Owner's Alliance website. 

Looking up the taxes due we found that the taxes were paid by a third party, not the owner. 

It's a certainty that they are adding in their percentage.You, as the property owner, should be getting bids for any large projects, especially a large remodel.And as @Nathan Gesner said, these guys allowed this to happen on their watch.

Motel owners leaving at the property is common practice.

This approach not only ensures a steady income stream but also provides a significant community service.As the property owner, you'd likely take on a role similar to a house manager, overseeing day-to-day operations such as grocery deliveries and maintenance, or you could appoint someone to handle these tasks.

We first get the actual, most recent insurance bill from the current owner (if they have it/will provide it).