If it's someone local, take them to coffee if they have time/availability. 

Likely this would be an LLC with a Joint Venture agreement, but we have to ask some stupid questions and we're having trouble finding much concrete information out there on how to structure partnership deals (the advice is always "Any way you want to!"

The safety of using doing Lockbox Showings will depend on:1) Class of property - the higher they class of property, the higher the class of prospects and the less problems you will have2) All of the above is based on statistics - there may always be an "idiot" that innocently leaves the door unlocked.

It will in no way increase your tax liability, but it could be an audit flag for people not paying taxes on rental income.Also be aware as a landlord, if you hire services and pay someone more than $600 a year, you are required to send them a 1099 and file with the IRS.

There would obviously be more work involved, but it might be an option.

Or are you saying a commercial loan might be an option to get around the low income even though the rates might be higher?

There should be an appraisal showing the value.

There may be an option of a 2nd mortgage or HELOC if you need to pull out some of your equity. 

It could be an illegal duplex, meaning someone converted a single-family without permission and/or in violation of code.

I know the policy itself would be an added expense but Pace mentioned the premium is usually about 1% of the loan value.