It's possible to address the first one through combining several mortgages into a smaller number of blanket mortgages secured by one property, but that doesn't really help you with the second issue unless you also get a lower rate and payment amount.You mentioned that they look at your tax returns rather than the rent roll/leases for the income on your properties, so you may be experiencing one of the real estate investor's paradoxes: If you do a great job maximizing your expenses and minimizing your income for tax purposes, you'll also make it more difficult to qualify for a mortgage 😂There really isn't an easy solution for the second problem, at least if you want to continue getting more fixed rate residential mortgages and want to continue to minimize the taxes you pay each year.This is why many of us end up being driven into the arms of commercial lenders, whose loans do adjust every 5-7 years but who also underwrite much more on the specific collateral property and less on you as an individual per se, and who focus much less on your other properties (though they do look at them generally as part of your complete Personal Financial Statement).

Call building and safety and tell them your scenario: I would think of worst case scenario: which will be that you either get the necessary permits or knock it down.

We understand the risks but due to previous employment in/around englewood, have a few ways to mitigate them/ensure safety.

My background is in Public Safety too—law enforcement, firefighting and EMS (mostly EMS).

Hamburger- look for Arm Roasts for sale. 

Public Safety and Welfare: From the Planning Board (paraphrased): "the alleyway is a public thoroughfare and the neighboring residents do not have an interest to protect.

However, the repairs need to be done to standards to ensure safety so the tenant must notify me if something is broke and use a repair person provided by me or provide a proof of professional repairs.

I got a 20 year commercial loan 3.5% interest, with a 5 year arm.

@Don IrelandTo stay out of trouble make sure that all transactions involving our Solo 401k are "arms length" - no involvement of the "disqualified person" (or entity owned by such person), directly or indirectly. 

Not even threats to personal safety or a family member needing to move in allow for eviction.Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?