You get clean title at sale, but if you need to pull a permit for anything, it won't be granted until the violation is paid off. 

If you're in City of Decatur, I believe they apply the 50% rule... more than 50% and they permit you as new construction.Hence - tear it down.

I've seen lenders require people take out loans and take title themselves then later Weeks or so - after the original deed is recorded) permit the property title to transfer to an LLC. 

If the property has an occupancy permit, and is legally able to be zoned for a primary residence, it can be financed.

I just think though that you have to find a house that does not need any major work, or need any permits. 

You should be able to call the building regs folks and give the address and ask if there are any violations pending with it and ask how to search for past permits on that property.

Homeowners are permitted to address the board at one of these meetings and can request to review the financial statements as well as ask questions.  

Im under the impression I will have to reopen the permit, and beings the building codes have probably changed who knows what Im in for.  

I contacted Home Path and  mentioned what I had heard, and also that on their home page under Investor Financing they state ( For investors who have more than 4 existing financed  properties and wish to purchase a Home Path property, financing flexibilities to allow a lower down payments and higher LTV ratio than typically permitted for such borrowers  may be available. they say to contact your lender. 

Federal Hill does not have reserved parking, it has permit parking.