An local architect is a good person to ask to see how likely it is that the variance will go through.Also, when applying for a variance you have to publicly announce it (in the paper or with a sign on the property) so any neighbors who may object have the opportunity to do so.

What Fred Ramos is talking about is something called Substitution of Collateral (Substitution of Security) clause in the note which allows the Maker to move the note onto different property (with caveats).

I plan to save up enough money (Im not sure how much I would need to be secure) to purchase my first investment duplex (stay in one unit and rent the other unit out).

@ZachExactly crawl which is a form of action so you want to read and process what you've learned then team up with someone at your local REIA club make some offers, secure a contract on a fix and flip or wholesale project then re-up.

In order for you to research this you can simply go to public record and see what is recorded or ask the title company to send you the abstract for the title commitment and the supporting documentation.

I can't seem to find any posts answering this question (although it probably has been asked before): when lenders require a 6 month reserve does that typically mean cash/savings account/CD or will they accept liquid securities like mutual funds, stocks, etc?

When these new spammers/scammers/etc. reach out to you they will know a surprising amount of information about you; your interestes, hobbies, causes; your {online} acquaintances and the organisations/institutions with whom you deal.From the "geek seat" of my non real estate job {Information Security & Privacy), it has been interesting watching this evolution.

This money, however, was NOT secured by the property.

Of course, I'm not sure I could secure a loan for that.

I heard another investor tell a story on securing a lead and speaking on the phone with a homeowner who was motivated but needed or appeared to need a push aka playing hard to get.