There are many ways you can recast this deal. first things first, close the deal with attractive seller financing. ask the seller to add settlement cost into the mortgage. consider some of these in your mortgage conditions ( put some or all of these terms in your offer) make sure you understand the value of these clauses - if not, give me a call glad to chat.1. put a subordination clause in the mortgage, this will allow you to get a new first and have the seller financed in second position.2. have a pay-off discount of 5-10% so if you get a new mortgage or sell the house you can discount the seller mortgage, this could save you thousands of dollars.3. have the mortgage secured by another property you own - this will make your property free and clear, now get a new mortgage, keep the proceeds or use it for renovations.4. have a stutter clause, this will allow you to miss one payment a year.5. have a first right of refusal in the mortgage in the event the seller (mortgagee) try to sell the mortgage at a discount, this gives you the option to benefit from the discount.6. the mortgage should be fully assumable without qualification with release of liability. this makes your resale attractive since you have financing built in.7. ask for a delay in making payments (6 months) this will free up some of your cash for renovations. good luck  with it -- Charles

That data is only contained in a credit report. only authorized data furnishers and resellers have access to that data, and must follow very strict guidelines with regards to who they can release that information to.On top of that, you would probably subject yourself to laws regarding distressed properties/borrowers if you are marketing NY and/or other areas.

However I was forced to sign a release stating that I would not perform the criminal credit background checks.

You do not want to get yourself in a position where you are over extended. 

I don't recall asking for the extra $50 but often it doesn't come into play because I am prorating the last days because it is a long term tenant buying a house or moving out of state so maybe they have extended a little or leave a little early  and they pay pro-rata for those days.   

The seller extended the ADU by constructing additional square footage on the detached ADU (currently, a studio)  while retaining the existing 2-car garage.

They come through in the clutch even as I butch about release fees and the occasional high repair bill.

You can ask to do an amend/extend to see about getting some money back, but I wouldn't give you any money if it was me. 

They are simultaneously rough markets with low cap rates, rent-value ratios, and tough dynamics from a legal perspective.There are some bright spots in the extended DC metro area.

You might have down time with no rent, and might have to spend more on repairs/updates to get it rented again and also pay a releasing fee.