For rate-and-term refi's, where you have existing loans against the property and are strictly paying those off and not taking any cash, you can do a 90% refi.

The property is going to be the mortgage companies collateral and wants to make sure it is decent condition before they lend their money on the it.2) Many buyers that want to obtain financing in this current market cannot because of the new, strict under writing guidelines that have been implemented since last April '07.

A followup thought...All of the topics discussed on these forums are regulated by one government body or another.

So, my question is, if I had found a single family house that I thought would make a wonderful duplex (obviously taking into account what I would imagine is a large construction project), where would I go to find out the rules and regulations?

Unless your local regulations specifically require some type of mold certification or license in residential (which I highly doubt), you will end up paying excessively for something you can do yourself.

I kidding around; however, I would like to see a thread strictly used for providing advice on how to operate a business..

The reason why I ask is because I have purchased an REO for rehab, and the realtor was pretty strict on how things were handled.

These issues can usually be dealt with by a smart long term investor but I tend to think most retired elderly people are set on a strict monthly budget and a major pitful like the ones a rental can bring can really hurt them.

Even if it is legal to receive the money it might not be something an agent can do and still stay within the rules for agency.Most states, not all, are very strict about this.

Looking for investors to fund one of your RE deals could also be an issue.Generally the courts and the state regulators consider someone with a license as armed and dangerous.