No the one year occupancy is not just ignored for the seller.No idea what Mom's income, credit and assets are so cannot tell you if she helps your profile or not.

So if I were to try and appeal the value of this example, I would have to PROVE that my house is worth less than $635,000, when the market says it is worth $750,000... and on top of that, they are only taxing me at $358,000.  

We’ve been searching for a couple of months now, but we are facing challenges.It seems that everything on the market is being snapped up within less than a week by more experienced investors who can offer better terms.

That $15K would have to be enough for either a 3.5% down payment using FHA for example and lean heavy on the seller for a Seller concession (Seller credit) which goes towards closing costs.

Louis are higher than the national average, which can impact tenant quality and property values, so thorough neighborhood research is essential.

They're a little more expensive than traditional construction financing, but not much.

The reason I say that is you are destroying value (perfectly decent countertops) to make try to add value.

Can’t be more than four units because I will be purchasing via a VA loan.

I still see tax sale trainers quoting a rate in MD that is higher than any I have seen in the 15 years I have done this. 

. $1,000 or less ?