While it uses partner banks to provide banking services, your FDIC-insurance protection may be limited.

In my limited experience, HML may not care too much about your credit but they will care about your, presumed, lack of experience.  

Quote from @Chris Seveney: @James WiseI wonder if there is a statute of limitations component to this Dunno, but it looks like they are looking for 4-5 years in prison for Whalen.

Updated flooring, changed cabinet hardware, updated thermostat.

However, it might limit your buyer pool, as owner-occupants may be less interested in waiting for a lease to end or dealing with current tenants.

Since the houses are occupied and the first is reaching its contract limit of a year, its time to renew, increase the rent and I don't even know how to.

I usually charge a pet deposit and monthly fee, but from my limited research, believe I cannot charge for a service animal. 

So does the book provide a loophole to the three property limitation to the “mortgage origination” rule (Dodd Frank)?

Using a Self-Directed IRA (SDIRA) allows pre-tax dollars to grow tax-deferred in real estate, but limits flexibility due to IRS rules and potential UBIT on leveraged properties.Investing through a Roth IRA offers tax-free growth and no RMDs, but funding limits and restrictions apply.

I would also recommend joining a Community of other limited partner investors.