But yes, I have some tenants that I've had for 8+ years now and I've had to raise their rents twice to near market because...as I told them...insurance and taxes have gone up, and the property operates at a loss, it's a business and I must raise rents to stay afloat. 

This is impossible to answer without knowing what you're trying to insure and how you have your business set up.

The new government is revoking these rules but only to transfer the decision to the local authorities.

There are exceptions of course but we usually want to work with smaller, local loan officers and brokers are usually the best option - usually.  

@Manas Joshi, I would talk to local leasing brokers for your property type.  

What I recommend is probably not good business practice (profit wise)  but i always build great relationships with my tenants ( also they always paid) and I had many over the years. 

I was told I cannot do a conventional CASH OUT refinance once I lease it to an operator of RAL since lenders do not lend if you run a business in your house.

Because of this, you must ** be sure to use your personal information rather than your business information or business address."

Depending on local law, you may be able to get a bond in lieu of probate from a title company if you can tie the brother to the property as the other living heir.

What is a local "RIA" ?