It is common to live in a home and rent out a basement or portion of the home - and most municipalities have Planning and Zoning language that defines and supports this, but to assume one can later move out of said property and rent out various, multiple "chunks" of the home is a fallacy, if it is not a legal duplex.  

They have a basic flaw that leads to a disproportionate number of them being very high risk.Second biggest landlord mistake is having compassion for tenants in trouble. 

I'll give generic answers that will apply to almost all non-big-bank traditional mortgage lenders, so you can skip them.2d - gotta collect all your docs and spend 45 minutes of quiet time to give you an answer if you're pushing it.4 - Just ask "what is the sum total of your flat fees and how much is a basic appraisal with your AMC?"

I would pay them a base+ commission, however i personally think acquisition is the last thing you should give up.

My mother in law is 72 and has health problems and lives in a basement apartment.

@Jordan Redar  I have a basic FSBO script I use if that would be helpful for you.

There is too much information here to rewrite it every time a basic or general question is asked.

My plan is to find a nice SFH with 5+ rooms, 2+ bathrooms and a basement.  

Have each one fill out a basic application and tell them they'll have to do a background check online (my smart move).

In this town a basic 2 bedroom unfurnished house with no bills paid goes for $350-$400 per month.