Despite knowing this, the housing authority still won’t do anything.

The permit itself is authorization from the city to do the work.

They're four young adults who seem to be splitting the rent equally, but on the lease, three of them are tenants and one is under the "People authorized to occupy this premises" section.

The author argues that those who sell real estate could be adversely affected because they’re eliminating or capping most deductions like property taxes and interest.

I also understand that when the courts do not have the ability to appoint anyone as a PR, they then appoint a Special Administrator who typically has the authority to sell any real estate owned by the decedent - this is making me think I should be mailing to these people as well (assuming they don't appear to be a spouse). 

On regulatory issues, you should be able to get answers from your local Section 8 authority.

One organization I came across that may be able to help is nhhfa- New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority. ( I'm in NH but Ct has the same thing- Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, chfa http://www.chfa.org/default.aspx ) In nh they have a first time buyer assistance program that offer 0 down financing and cover closing cost.

That being said, if you're okay losing some authority/control, don't shy away from condos especially if you're looking for a low-risk entry into real estate. 

(b) A foreclosure consultant does not include any of the following:(1) A person licensed to practice law in this state when the person renders service in the course of his or her practice as an attorney at law.(2) A person licensed under Division 3 (commencing with Section 12000) of the Financial Code when the person is acting as a prorater as defined therein.(3) A person licensed under Part 1 (commencing with Section 10000) of Division 4 of the Business and Professions Code when the person is acting under the authority of that license, as described in Section 10131 or 10131.1 of the Business and Professions Code.(4) A person licensed under Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 5000) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code when the person is acting in any capacity for which the person is licensed under those provisions.(5) A person or his or her authorized agent acting under the express authority or written approval of the Department of Housing and Urban Development or other department or agency of the United States or this state to provide services.(6) A person who holds or is owed an obligation secured by a lien on any residence in foreclosure when the person performs services in connection with this obligation or lien.(7) Any person licensed to make loans pursuant to Division 9 (commencing with Section 22000) of the Financial Code when the person is acting under the authority of that license.(8) Any person or entity doing business under any law of this state, or of the United States relating to banks, trust companies, savings and loan associations, industrial loan companies, pension trusts, credit unions, insurance companies, or any person or entity authorized under the laws of this state to conduct a title or escrow business, or a mortgagee which is a United States Department of Housing and Urban Development approved mortgagee and any subsidiary or affiliate of the above, and any agent or employee of the above while engaged in the business of these persons or entities.(9) A person licensed as a residential mortgage lender or servicer pursuant to Division 20 (commencing with Section 50000) of the Financial Code, when acting under the authority of that license.

You can also contact your local housing authority to explore the process.Plus is you get all or part of rent consistently, negative is that the house has to be inspected and it can be a high standard.