There are now a few website platforms where they list houses with assumable loans like Assumable (I think .io) and Roam.  

As long as it will pass an appraisal and not be "Subject to" major issues you can get a renovation or personal loan for work.Unless you are cash fluid and can add some cash back into the property and then pull back out on the ARV refinance.

Make a list of your current frustrations and see if the new software addresses those issues specifically.

I know i'm late to this thread but imagine that a lot of you are still on the platform.

A landlord does not need to provide a reasonable accommodation for an emotional support animal when:The property is an owner-occupied building with four or fewer unitsThe property is a single-family home sold or rented by the owner without the use of an agentThe emotional support animal poses a risk to the health or safety of other people, or a risk of substantial damage to property (but this risk must be specific to the animal and cannot be based solely on assumptions about the animal’s breed)"Definitely have a chat with a local attorney to ensure your local laws apply, nonetheless since its an owner occupant, it sounds like you have some recourse to deny this request. 

If you were to open another bank account specifically for the rental property, it would be in your personal name unless you open an LLC and form a business account.

Formal agreement may make the most sense, she is willing to help us out and if she has to be on the mortgage afterwards that shouldn't be an issue.

Insurance has been a big issue in our market this year as companies have jacked rates out of control. 

I think it's less of an issue of which is better and more of what are you comfortable with?

technically it happens all the time, but real estate is less liquid thus its more obvious. ever try and buy a stock at a specific price and that price is no longer valid because the price changed.