Anyone with experience converting single fam into multi-fam?

[Lance Lamberton]

I'm getting started in an unusual way. Recently immigrated from South Africa to Canada, but moving to Atlanta in 9 to 12 months. I'm wanting to house hack when I arrive. I can't seem to find deals on the MLS for 2/3/4-plexes in the budget, but plenty of single-family. I'm wanting to maximize cash flow, so potentially looking at converting a single-family 2/3 story house into a 2/3-plex.

I've never been to Atlanta so I will take all your advice on good suburbs? Where can I find good 2/3 story houses? Have you used this strategy before? What was your success? does it hurt your resale value or bring it up? does it require any additional planning permission? are there materials on this topic? 

I know it's a loaded question but, I'm on a fact-finding mission, I don't know what I don't know, so lay it on me.