My short term goal was to get 1-3 rental properties and start building equity. 

In the short-term, get a wifi thermostat put it in a place where it can't be touched and program it however you like.

If the lead Inspector is not in, get his number and leave a message.Although they have a right to call out what they see, it is obviously not fair to an investor like yourself to be put through this.Good Luck!

Bridge loans are typically short-term structures used for properties not stabilized or underperforming assets in order to stabilized them and get them qualified for permanent financing. 

Jason,I know this is a late response, but since I am currently a Claim's Representative for Metro Public Adjustment Inc (Or Metro PA for short), I felt the need to chime in for others interested in learning about public adjusters.I'd first like to respond to Tim's comments about Metro PA.

Some argue with that since one can claim the lead isn't a client requiring fiduciary...

Looking for any guidance on ways to get info on pre foreclosure, foreclosed, and short sale properties.

In 2016, the city stopped issuing new non-owner occupied STR licenses - known as Type 2 licenses - for short-term rentals in certain residential areas.

3) the back of the property leads to a cul de sac which could potentially be another entrance - option would possibly be building a duplex or fourplex which would be less costly - then sell it and make another and use the profit towards the apartment building and just build 1 because who has that kind of money. 

The other possibility is that your rental did REALLY well - it would probably have to be a home run short term rental to generate that much taxable income in that short of a time frame.