Partnering with someone who's househacking

[Vivian Huang]

I LOVE the idea of househacking -- unfortunately I found BP & the househacking concept after I bought my own primary residence last year. I'm wondering if I can still take advantage of househacking benefits if I partner with a friend who would be living in the multi-unit. Would it still be considered a primary residence given that I won't live there, but he will? It would be titled under both our names.

Also, it's advised to shop for rates with different mortgage lenders. Does this basically mean that I get pre-approved by all the lenders I look into (Each one putting a hard inquiry on my credit)?

Thanks in advanced!