I noticed when looking at the local tax assessor that my name (purchaser) was listed as 50% while someone else was listed as the other 50%.

Best to talk to someone local rather than a national forum.

I want to make sure I'm acting in accordance with the local government's legislation, but I'm having trouble making sense of all of the information I'm finding on https://www.roanokeva.gov/.How do investors usually navigate legislation requirements when starting renting in a new city?

@Dionne Ladson The proof of the pudding is in the eating.True private money (e.g. a high-net worth at your local REIA) is going to be more flexible, but make you vet them before diving into a borrowing relationship.

We worked with a realtor that sent out auto-mailers from our local MLS.

Example:  We took over a management agreement last year for a Landlord / Owner that was with a local competitor. 

As you get ready to start investing I'd encourage you to connect with a local agent in the area that you are looking to invest and they can connect you with other professionals you'll need like a good lender, insurance person, property manager, etc...

That's where crunching numbers and making connections with the locals come in.

Call a local commercial real estate broker and get a Broker's Opinion of Value, or ask for current cap rates based on the Class of property.

=> I would get a local lawyer spun up on the situation when the investor is ready to go.