Actually a lot of the info you'd get from an operating statement (gross rent, expenses, NOI, etc.) is available on many listing websites like Redfin and realtor.com, albeit not as up to date as the MLS and not always accurate but that goes for all data provided by listings.Regarding MLS access: it is protected carefully with various methods such as keystroke tracking, IP address, simultaneous login etc. and agents can get in a lot of trouble for sharing their login info, which is good because within the massive database is a lot of private info that can be dangerous in the wrong hands like lockbox and security system codes.

In my area of the country, the chance of an owner with a small number of properties facing consequences of choosing not to rent to unmarried couples is slim to none...people have larger concerns.

If they are built to code there are no concerns.

Municipalities are sometimes concerned about setting a precedent and this is a way that some try to work around that.Hope this helps,

Putting on roof $2500 diy, but permit and crane needed to get unit on roof and it is dangerous.

My biggest concern is just the fact that we might not officially go under contract on the house we like best until a few days after we close on the first one in a few weeks, with our FHA loan, and we definitely won't have 20% to put down on either. :-/  Definitely appreciate your advice and will see what we can find out about investor friendly loans with our broker.

My concern is the $20,000 in arrears, is there anyway around paying it?

The tenants are all lovely people, though they seem to be concerned about 1) the condition of the garage, 2) the fact that the windows all let in cold air (by the look of them, they're probably as old as the building) and 3) the lack of landlord response to their multiple other (small) concerns about the property.

Thanks both of you for your suggestions, but only concern i have that it will be difficult  to refinance the properties if the properties own by LLC. 

It seems like the norm for most of the area is that the landlord pays water in small multis but you could set the water up in your name and bill tenants to avoid any lien concerns.