Not sure where the line between "emotional support animal" and "service dog" is, or even if it matters in this case

I guess it doesn't really matter as long as the rent covers the mortgage each month because I had no intention of pocketing any money this year from the properties. 

age, location, size, and cost of replacement are all major factors for insurance, unfortuantely your purchase price doesn't matter too much!

Private lenders do not advertise or seek out borrowers, that is a hard money lending matter.

Well, in regard to the repairs and such, I'd simply forfeit the idea that you need to make repairs such as a hole kicked in a wall by your tenant's kid for $25, and realize that whatever it takes to repair it, it doesn't matter since you would be passing the cost on to your tenant.

No matter how much screening you do or rules you have in the rental agreement, your tenants can be a contributing factor.I'd rather improve a neighborhood with involved citizens, grant money, the support of the city, and relationships with other landlords than have it legislated.

I got a little off topic but it's important to realize no matter your level of experience, mistakes can still be made. 

You should absolutely discuss what should happen if you get into a fight and end up not speaking to each other - stranger things have happened no matter how long you have known them.It sounds like this would be a short-term living arrangement, and you would each own the half you started out with.

No matter what you do or try to do, you will never be able to improve your neighbor's property.  

Cetainly would be something worth asking the local municipality about or a legal expert in such matters.