And it seems that prior to last September, you could apply for a DBA locally with the county.

Discussing your offering with attorney must be a first step prior to taking any action including advertising your offering. 

I was able to long-term rent it for a bit prior to selling it last week for basically what I paid for it. 

Curious about this one-- do you buy insurance prior to the rehab?

Prior to a few months ago, it was not uncommon to find "California" Prepays, where the step down year over year allowed up to 20% of principal payoff each year.  

"Familial Status" IS a protected class, you cannot use that as a reason to not renew, unless you have in place, and have communicated to them prior to move in, an "occupancy" standard, such as "2 people (not adults, not children, PEOPLE) plus 1 per bedroom" or your local building department restrictions if any.Normally for a non-renewal, and depending on local law, you should provide NO reason.

Pretty much every cold call that you will make, somebody has already contacted them prior.

Copy & Paste off page 2 and 3 of Enrolled Senate Bill 608:(C) The landlord has a qualifying reason for termination and gives notice as specified in subsections (5) to (7) of this section. (5) [Notwithstanding subsections (3)(c) and (4)(b) of this section,] The landlord may terminate a month-to-month tenancy under subsection (3)(c)(B) of this section at any time, or may terminate a fixed term tenancy upon the expiration of the fixed term under subsection (4)(c) of this section, by giving the tenant notice in writing not less than [30] 90 days prior to the date designated in the notice for the termination of the month-to-month tenancy or the specified ending date for the fixed term, whichever is later, if: [(a) The dwelling unit is purchased separately from any other dwelling unit;] [(b) The landlord has accepted an offer to purchase the dwelling unit from a person who intends in good faith to occupy the dwelling unit as the person’s primary residence; and] [(c) The landlord has provided the notice, and written evidence of the offer to purchase the dwelling unit, to the tenant not more than 120 days after accepting the offer to purchase.]

I am looking to buy a property in Salisbury, NC and want to get a home inspection done prior to purchasing it.

It shows that you have attempted to resolve the issue prior to coming to them for assistance.