Common sense says to trust the utility companies, but I don’t know why there’s such a huge desparity.

At times there are deed restrictions for 30 days, or for 90 days for more than 120% of purchase price or other potential variations but those are the two most common

However, there often seems to be a disconnect between seller and purchasing investors.Although many investors know and understand that a prospective investment property must be at least 75%-80% tenanted when utilizing any type of financing for the purchase (esp. hard money).

My number one piece of advice to you is utilize it to your advantage.

The 1st would be to build credit by utilizing 2-10% (sweet spot) of available credit on your cards for a few to several months (to maximize your score) but two months before you apply for a mortgage pay all debt to $0.The 2nd larger issue is the student loan and the 1st step would be to get copies of your tax returns ready and fill out the paperwork to get on the lowest payment plan i.e.

I'm interested primarily in utilizing a buy and hold strategy with multiplex properties (MFR). 

We have been utilizing the BRRRR strategy for a few years with good success.

Pro-rent control people seem to lack an understanding of basic common sense.  

@Morgan Van Ness - there are a lot of factors; location, condition, utilities, long term tenants, ectMy clients have rented 2 bedroom units from $800 - $1800sometimes you see properties with tenants for years and they don't raise rents.I have units with tenants for years that are good and I don't raise their rent

@Logan LarochelleUltimately, everything you report on the return can be questioned by the IRS...will they...Your role is to report an accurate return based on the tax laws provided to us.If the IRS questions anything you should say you are excluding the gain via section 121.Show them the closing documents on the day you purchased the home and the closing documents when you sold the home.Then to show that you lived in the home for 2 years - show them the receipts of utilities that are in your name.Likely they won't audit you - but in the chance that they do - you should at least have the documentation.