Is there national regulation on this issue or is handled a the state level?

Certified Financial Planner and former bank regulator with a passion for Capital Markets and REI. 

Thompson in AR wrote a nice peice on it as he had a sit down with the state regulators. and went into detail how if your scheme is to ONLY assign contracts and you dont either internally have the ability or intent to close its illegal end of discussion.

There can be local regulations and HOA to deal with. 

First thing you should do is educate yourself in regards to buying/investing in rental properties and study your state landlord tenant regulations.

Yes, regulations that govern the number and relationships of occupants in a residence do exist here in Georgia, but not generally at the state level.

@John Williams I will say this - the safest and best way to protect yourself is through abiding by SEC regulations and guidelines.

Are you buying real estate to have a 2nd or 3rd job if so take the time to learn the laws and regulations that go with running your real estate.

Regulations will prohibit you from certain tasks, which you seem to have named the main issues like discussing rent and executing leases. 

I do know people tend to overreact to proposed changes and government regulation.