Can I Do This on Owner-Occupied MFR Refi?

[Aaron Almquist]

My scenario for my question is: I purchase a duplex to BRRRR it, have one side occupied/rented and I occupy the other while rehabbing that unit and the exterior. It comes time to cash-out refi and the lender wants to see rent roll numbers.

Am I able to use comps for the unit I've occupied or if it's identical to the other side, use that number? Or can I not occupy it, must rent it out in actuality for a period, and represent the numbers that way? Have also read that some lenders will refi right after PM is hired and leases signed, no actual elapsed period of actual renting. 

I just want to make sure I am representing the numbers accurately to the lender and also that I shouldn't be doing something complex like paying myself (?) the rent but as a different entity, hahh. I don't know.. I've never done this before! Guess there are no stupid questions.... I hope. And I have to know this stuff before I even begin to do anything in reality, so thanks for your patience!