Together, we negotiated favorable terms with the seller, ensuring a beneficial deal.

LTV caps will range from 70-85%, although terms will probably be horrible at 85%. 

Here is more info on it.https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/passive-activity-loss-rules.asp

Portfolio lenders use more of a DSCR analysis to lending - meaning they are likely to lend to you as long as the investment can pay its debts - more so than a residential lender. 

As long as you have a decent job you should be able to qualify to buy a duplex. 

Sometimes, when I buy a property, I am ok to have a short-term lease with the owner until they move out, but I agree that there seem to be too many variables right now that add uncertainty to the deal.Is the Title clear?

I'm diving into the world of short term rentals and looking for some advice on the best ways to research local regulations in different towns and cities within a state.

As long as you stay attentive to the emails and keep bugging you they will fix it. 

The original lease from the owner who owned it at the time it was installed had hand writing on it for payments that increased per 5 year term is what it looked like if I recall correctly.

Here are a few options and considerations:Commercial Loan or Portfolio Lender: Some commercial lenders or portfolio lenders may be more flexible in financing properties under an LLC, especially if the property will be used for commercial purposes like short-term rentals (Airbnb).