Hopefully a letter from an SEC attorney may create some action on their part.  

I plan to get back into action once things stabilize again.

I started a thread too, sorry to jump yours here my friend, except I am because I think we need to skip to the end of the discussion and take action now.

Now that I have built a foundation in my knowledge of real estate fundamentals, it’s time I begin taking action as I continue to learn.

To determine whether the property qualifies for protection under the “grandfather” provision would require more extensive research of the historical zoning maps and more information about the past use(s) of the property.It sounds like the particular lender you mentioned is going to require you to take some action with local government before they approve the loan (whether obtaining written confirmation that the property is grandfathered, confirmation of re-zoning, or perhaps even simply a letter from Knox County stating that they are not going to seek to strictly enforce zoning with respect to the property might suffice).

Please note that this moratorium only applies to HUD subsidized housing.We recommend landlords and property owners take the following action: - Do not forgive any rent that is due unless you are prepared to forgive everyone's rent (which we do not recommend); - If you are going to offer hardship relief, compose written criteria outlining requirements for the relief and then apply that criteria to all applicants equally regardless of the tenants race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, familial status, and/or disability status; - Require your tenants to communicate with you in writing and keep copies of these writings in your tenant files; and - Continue to follow your normal processes and procedures, especially regarding evictions.

Non licensed "handy men and women" do not assume this liability and even if they say they do they are more often then not insured and it would be un-actionable in the legal system.The real question is does the job you need done, if done in correctly poise a tangible risk? 

They would pay bills they consume in the house and we would split taxes.

As lenders work through their pipelines quickly, aggressive and sporadic offerings will be available for those poised and ready to take action.

With investments that require rapid action or frequent transaction activity, this is a greatly superior option.