From looking around it appears it depends on the state. 

But my name still appears on the tax records.

I think your general depth of business knowledge gave you a leg up on most newbies.. at least it appears that way from my enjoyment of reading your posts

. :)I have taken DILs several times under unusual circumstances and only had a slight issue in a bankruptcy where we found or assured the court there was no equity.I believe the look back in bankruptcy is generally 6 months prior to filing but if it appears that that there was any prior contemplation of bankruptcy that can take you back further.

Today alone i looked at a property that a  sunroom was enclosed drywalled and stuccoed to appear to be a part of the structure. the most recent homeowner bought the property with it that way and now they tear it down by orders of the city before they will allow the property to be sold. 

It's like... every time I showed up to the apartment, the devil appeared behind the door and snickered as I waited for the tenant to open.

From the limited research I have done, based on lending to non owner occupants, it appears that there is little licensing requirements.  

Depending on the neighborhood, they may REQUIRE wood windows (or at least windows that mimic wood in appearance) due to the historic nature of the house.  

Also you need a gfci outlet, it doesnt appear to be one, unless its protected upstream somewhere.  

I see from public records that former owner originated first mortgage in 1977 with bank that does not appear in further records.