I’ve also had issues do a cash out on my two properties.

I'm only bringing this up because you mention 1) rent is always paid on time; 2) neighbors have no issues; 3) The tenant's are hardly there (which means less property wear and tear) and 4) I will also assume becuase of the first 3 here, that your property is also being cared for...... seems like picture perfect Tenants.... 

To address this maintenance issue, I sent out a reputed garage door company to look at it. 

Doing the due diligence on rental rates wont be an issue for me but I’m not a developer.

I believe the neighbor has some beef with the city, and is trying to use this issue to create a problem for the city, my friend is just the unlucky guy who gets to be collateral damage.The small town utility department doesn't have record drawings of the laterals, and they are not being too helpful. 

If there's ANY concern about the foundation or structural integrity, I call in a foundation pro, or I walk (foundation/structural issues are usually my one total deal-breaker).

Rent Control is a two sided issue.

I have no issue with cold calling either.

I spoke directly with Drew Sygit - the founder of LogicalPM and we spent a good portion of 60-90 minutes chatting about the current portfolio, the issues I've faced, and how his company plans to solve it. 

The rule technically is "2 out of the last 5 years," so in theory you could live in it for 2 years, rent it out for another 2.5 years, and then when you sell you would still be covered under this same exception.I am very passionate about real estate and would be happy to answer any other questions you might have.