If that doesn't work, I suppose the next step is a formal letter advising them of the previous personal conversation and lack of subsequent compliance, with some kind of date for compliance.

@Russell Brazil Did you have a formal in paper agreement when you paid the tenant to leave or was it all a handshake?

Formalities?

The program requires you to have a formal architecture degree but they'll make exceptions based on experience. 

Before my father passed he had a roommate & friend living in home paying what i believe is below market rent and no formal rental agreement. 

Furthermore, many of those deals have the issues I highlighted above.I'd recommend speaking with an investor-friendly lender for a pre-qualification letter or formal pre-approval letter.

However, I do require applications and formal leases for stays of over thirty days. 

I have been searching for formal literature about living off syndications but haven't found anything concrete. 

Depending on your contract or local customs, a walk-through may be informal or more formal.

Albeit it is not as much of value to me as a buyer living within 20min (judicious time interval), it is a huge advantage as an investor.