The agent did not notice the running water and it continued to run for the next 4-5 days.

In my opinion much more restrictive flood zone code devalues these properties as it will seriously preclude investors from continuing to improve properties and make additions such as garage apartments due to additional cost in building and lot prep. 

I live in Reno, Nevada and my goal is to purchase a 4plex in the next couple months . i want to BRRRR it and continue expanding .

I mean a covered porch is a feature in and of itself and is part of what would make  a house attractive to a buyer and in most cases is part of your curve appeal. 

It will continue to be our focus for the foreseeable future.  

I continue with my existing firm (Ultimate Realty Group) on the Illinois side. 

According to the Tampa Bay Times:"The only way around the short-term rental ban is if a homeowner can show that their home had been used as a tourist rental prior to the passage of the 2006 ordinance, had been continuously used as a short-term rental since then, have a city occupational license and have paid sales tax on all rental income.If they cannot do that, and few can, homeowners faces potential fines of $250 a day if they fail to comply."

Instead of continuing renting, I have been considering purchasing a manufactured home.

And should I continue making these offers through the message box on the realtor.com listing or is there a preferred method of doing this?

They continued to dispute the charges then up to the new deadline then stopped responding.