On the broker vs agent instate vs out of state - to me it comes down to the quality of the policy issued and the level of service that agent will give. 

Most new investors I am gathering have the same issue - they have learned about how to make a deal but don't have the funds.

Home Inspections (while important), can be pretty bad at catching major issues.

I have a little chicken or the egg issue though - part of the resource I was going to use to look for deals was the MLS, however, I can't get access to it until I work with an agent.  

This issue came up because I actually may have a pre-buyer for the house (although I'm not banking on it). 

change in property management company has no bearing on you as a tenant, outside how you pay rent and who you deal with on issues.

If you are unable to find an issue there, then check the Rules & RegulationsIf the paragraph disallowing this type of rental is in the first three documents I mentioned above, then this is the type of thing that you can petition your neighbors to overturn. 

Minimal issues to fix and great price for a multi.

I hope your MIL sees your side of the argument because I've seen things go very wrong as 2 year timelines tend to double,,, especially if you make a mistake with drawings/permitting.Another issue is there is a surplus of rental supply currently and rents have been steadily coming down in JC/Hoboken last 6 months or so.Best of luck! 

issue 2.