I mention this all because I personally recommend everyone spend several years (if not a lot longer) WORKING in real estate before trying to raise money from others.  

The Title company does  a search to see if the person selling has the legal capacity to sell, to find any  other owners, mortgages and liens on the property and to identify anything that may affect ownership to the new buyer.This is all done prior to signing for transferring ownership.It is not related to doing the Lease or the Option.Yes, the option fee is used as the down payment.

It will be a DSCR loan, under your US entity or personally held.

There was a recent post here on BP where the person lost all their money in several deals and would not call out the sponsor.

I am aware that NJ has a personal occupancy provision in which the landlord gives at least 2 months written notice stating that the owner would like to occupy the downstairs unit once the tenants lease expires.

At some point, it may just become personal preference. 

It’s either that or to live with it.A side note: it might be that the owner is a slumlord, not because he/she is an evil person, but is simply a good intentioned person who doesn’t know what he’s doing.

I have a tenant who knows I am the owner, and I personally prefer that. 

HiCan I as the administrator of the deceased estate use a PO Box for the administrator address and not my personal address?

Be sure to get information about the age of the capital expense items (roof, HVAC, water heaters, and sewer line as well).