My wife and I started investing officially 12 months ago. 

. #5  Get to know the neighborhood police officers, city officials, and social service organizations in your area.

or wait to do an official appraisal until we're ready for the next steps in whichever path we decide? 

I actually still have to complete an official walk-through with a contractor and based the estimates on a complete remodel being done - as there is foundation damage and the roof has not been done since the house was purchased in 30yrs ago.

City / county officials should be able to help with this as well. 

Get an official Loan Estimate before choosing a loan.

These are not official lenders of any sort.... just two people I know that have the money to spare and would like to make a little passive income.Couple questions....How do I handle this so that I am completely above board?

Lifelong Queens resident here and I was also invited to and attended the official Amazon NYC announcement at the Governor’s office on Tuesday - mind you, this was not a huge venue open to the general public; small room on the 38th Floor of his office with 50-60 movers and shakers intimately involved in the deal coming together plus the always entertaining New York press corps. - ProofHappy to share some perspective.

Get the home then the next day or whenever you get official title, record the title and the lien for a hard money loan and payoff whoever lent you the money for the purchase.

In my opinion, I would not get involved with any STR until those new rules and regulations have been officially released.