@Eric Thomson, Pub 523 actually has a section that I believe would allow you to treat the land and house as one sale even if sold in different years - as long as that land was used as part of the house. 

If the tenant is polite, pays the rent and is really decent in general I always give the tenant the benefit of the doubt only because a super high percent of landlords treat their tenants like trash and I don't want to be like them.Maybe, the window just decided it was time to crack.

Hey @Lloyd Spencer:I'm not sure how Jersey City would treat it from a CO standpoint, but I would also consider what the state requirement will be for the next Green Card inspection through the NJ DCA.

If you treat regularly will that control them?

I'm looking for an initial house hack where I treat myself as a tenant for evaluation of the deal.

I include this perhaps bloviated though factual background on myself to back up my statement of;--dedication to treating everyone fairly;—always doing the right thing;—and expressing love and concern for my fellow man/person.If you hold these values and have been conned by CIX, please, let’s connect directly.

Treat people well, be strict about receiving rents and don't delay evictions.

But it is surprising to me that the syndicator is treating you as poorly as you have described. 

DO NOT TREAT THIS AS A HOBBY. 

IMO I thing as long as you treat it as a business you will be fine.