(from the tax assessor's database) and ownership history (who owned it, how mortgages and any other liens on the property, if the owner is deceased, etc.). 

This way I could retain full ownership of the business without being held captive by a principal, and I could change principals at any time. 

So in many instances they actually do inquire about ownership to see how much leeway they might get with a troubled past, a poor rental history, or any other issue. 

SO--would I have better luck with a stated income application, especially as I can show clear ownership of. $125,000 house which is rented in another state?

It's also important to note that home ownership is currently at 20 year lows in the U.S. and eventually all of the pent up demand from the Millenial generation will boil over and cause another upswing in the single family market. 

The determination that a property is being used as a transient accommodation use shall be made without regard to the form of ownership of the property or unit, or whether the occupant has a direct or an indirect ownership interest in the property or unit; and without regard to whether the right of occupancy arises from a rental agreement, other agreement, or the payment of consideration. (1) The term includes but is not limited to hotels, motels, recreational vehicle parks, tourist lodging facilities, resort condominiums, resort dwellings, vacation resorts, and dwelling units occupied or available for occupancy on an interval ownership or "time share" basis, when any of the foregoing are made available for occupancy more than three (3) times in any consecutive 365-day period and the right of occupancy is for a term less than monthly."

I would love any input you may have with the fees associated with ownership, i.e. cleaning fees, additional insurance(s), HOA fees etc.

Transfer the title and ownership with a deed of trust?  

I read and continuously read books on multi family ownership.4.

Going further, if anything taints the legality of the proposed agreement, unlawful dealing without a license, not having the proper business license or not being in good standing, your contract may not be valid.Now, through in the fact that you can only legally sell or lease something that you hold title rights to convey those rights of ownership or leasing.