Joshua Tree fixer with unpermitted backhouse

[Michael M.]

I need to house hack. I have just enough to buy a 2 bed/1bath fixer in Joshua Tree, CA. It has an unpermitted backhouse. I'm guessing, I don't know for sure, it might be a 1 bed/1 bath. Anyone have experience buying a house with unpermitted rear backhouse?

I've only viewed the property online but will tour it this week. The price is low enough for me think about my options.

Option#A Rent out the main house for prevailing rents. Leave backhouse alone.

Option#B The unpermitted backhouse would be illegal to rent out, however, what if I lived in the backhouse and rented out the main house? I'd section off the backhouse with a fence dividing the back yard.

Con

1. The house is on the outer edge of a 500 and 100 year flood zone. Mud flood last happened in 2011, 2013, and 2015 within a few miles of the house.

2. The house only has access to the backyard from a side gate.

3. Rental demand may be soft in the area due to cheap property nearby.

4. 

Pro

1. House is affordable