Something you will never have an answer for.Only opinions of others, that may or may not be true.

It seems the rumors of rentals being in high demand are true... 

Due to that increase, I'm potentially looking into refinancing at the beginning of the year to get a true investment property, and hoping for a duplex or triplex to go along with my home residence. 

If that's true, then the off loading of these properties is where the good money will be.

Don't listen to the "story" because you don't know if it is true and it is immaterial anyways.

One technique in a fast market, says Rachel Valentino, of Valentino & Associates LLC with Keller Williams Realty in Washington, D.C., is to agree to an inspection where you:Can walk away from the contract if there’s a major issue, like foundation trouble.Can’t negotiate with the seller over any issues that arise.This arrangement appeals to sellers because they won’t be hit with thousands of dollars in repairs, and it gives you an advantage in a competitive field.Similarly, if you’re competing against all-cash offers, which don’t require an appraisal, you can waive the appraisal contingency.

However, if it is true, and you've allowed pets and the bait stations are toxic to other animals, then you probably have some responsibility to either change bait stations until you've cleared your unit of pets or do away with them altogether.

Is this true?

If it's a commercial rehab loan, it's usually an easier process with a lot less oversight.If it's a true 203k loan, I'd probably try to go conventional and get a separate unsecured loan or HELOC for the rehab portion.  

True, the 20% down removes the PMI and has better rates, but 15% can be done.