By the way, I don't think US Wide Financial serves all states, but I found them through bankrate's website using their rate search and so I'm sure there would be similar mortgage companies who also utilize this program.

I've seen places out here that essentially rent out rooms and have a common kitchen/bathroom.

There are tons of additional threads and setting up new entities if your equity exceeds $250k in one, raising capital, utilizing blanket and other insurance to protect you from claims, keeping debt on product to discourage suits, using trusts to hide assets, etc.

Deed restrictions on rentals are very common and a real double-edged sword...no restrictions are great for investors until nobody can get a loan in the complex thus driving down values.

If I am somehow able to utilize HARP does that impact my credit rating in a negative way?

I hear these commonly referred to as the NEFF "Not even for free" homes because rehab/taxes cost more than they would sell for.

(and many of those costs are unavoidable such as utilities, taxes, interest, etc)

Just needs counter tops finished in kitchen.Approximately 10 miles from where it's currently located I Have a site already with utilities.

Mortgage scams and other lending scams are common in today’s tight credit markets.

The tenants do all yard work, snow removal, pay all utilities and do repairs that are under $100.