This does introduce extra complexity, additional financing overhead, etc... but best protects *both* your long term interests.Good luck!

Not much you can do if you do not get cooperation from the tenants in a normal situation never mind when they have local laws protecting them. 

The design criteria and review processes contained in this Chapter are provided to protect and maintain the established character of all residential neighborhoods within the City.9.43.015 OBJECTIVESIn order to maintain neighborhood compatibility, any proposal for construction within a residential zone shall comply with the following objectives:(a) Natural AmenitiesImprovements to residential property shall respect and preserve, to the greatest extent practicable, the natural features of the land, including the existing topography and landscaping.

I showed him the numbers I could rent out rooms for, as well as the lease agreement I would use to protect myself and my house. 

But as an investor you are often stuck with limited inspections and need to be very clear on things like easements, wells vs. septic, flood zones, etc. to protect your investment.

But if it goes down, the cash flow of the property is what is going to protect you in the event of a downturn, so make sure that the rents from both sides are more than enough to cover the note and you'll be golden (since you wont want to live in a duplex forever). 

I think a rental cap protects property values.

He requested that federal housing agencies extend eviction protections for those tenants living in properties with federally-backed mortgages. 

A common theme is for landlords to require their tenants to purchase a Renters Insurance policy.  Some take the next step and have them prove it (good idea).  Here's the problem, an independent study was completed tha...

Unless you have significant other assets to protect, a robust umbrella insurance policy may be easier and cheaper.