There is no level of threat you could leverage to win, as they simply have little to no liability, especially if they are simply enforcing visible permit violations.

I don't think it's smart betting against hedge funds.

@Michael Williams  Your best bet is to make it your primary residence so the downpayment could be a low as 3.5%. 

For her is more important to keep a good relationship with a lender than with a one time buyer.She does not care to get you the Absolut best interest, but if she can get you a better rate from her lender, it’s a win/win.There is also a small Chance than she could only get her lender interested if she can give them a reference rate and that’s why she needs to ask.

So if a rehab is required, then your best bet is Hard Money or Fix N Flip money.

AZREIA and the Phoenix REIA are probably your best two bets

I figured if i could pay the same as what i was paying in rent each month plus the tenants rent to cover the mortgage id be winning.

Do you have any thoughts on to make it a win?

Now I had just had a newborn at the time and quitting and betting it all on that career path was not something I wanted to gamble on my family's financial future.

It aways cracks me up when someone tells me about a "win", and I ask them if they checked ... and they tell me, "Oh I didn't think to check."