Most of the industry is blue collar work and some of our tenants have their rent paid by their corporate HQ, our all in cost for a new home there is $250k and we are bringing in $3k a month in rent and have had zero vacancies. 

A prudent investor doesn't seek quick riches through shortcuts.

I guess I could do some work-arounds -- maybe reserve one unit in the first purchase for use as an AirBnb, and reserve my own time in it when needed - instead of claiming it as a primary.Are either of you (or anyone) familiar with a finance product/loan that will allow me to purchase under $150,000 (w/ strong credit) and do much of my own work and live-in a portion as a primary residence?  

I’m excited to put in the work and get started on this path.

These borrowers are typically out of the market for extended periods of time, have limited contacts in the debt world, lack understanding of how different loan programs work, and are susceptible to working with the one bank / credit union loan officer that they know through their family, friends, church group, college, etc.

Sure it will cost a bit more but if the numbers work, the numbers work. And

Hi Kyle,I am relocating to Phoenix in a few months for work and am looking to House Hack into my first rental property.

Another option is to split the cost based on the number of occupants in each unit but this also means you'll need to adjust the charges as tenants move in/out, so it requires more work and I wouldn't recommend it.

Mainly the panel is in the basement and it would require a ton of work and paying for labor hours + repairs. 

You can talk to the bank about a loan; however, my bet is they will want some form of contract and scope of work and will only pay him at set milestones.