You don't want to play a plumber so that your guests can have water?

Hence, the search continues.

<<< Correct, that is exactly what I am referring THIS IS your tradeoff most of the time when using turnkey companies AND WILL CONTINUE to be your tradeoff even when using a realtor IF YOU DON'T VERIFY YOUR NUMBERS. 

Also keep in mind, terms other than price will play a role in getting you offer accepted too.

I don't think it's the end of the world @Jonathan Greene...if it still helps someone learn something new there is at least some positive.In my opinion, those trolls will get seen for who they really are in the long run, so it is just a short-term play...that I don't know is worth worrying much about.I'd rather someone say, "Here is a question we often get asked as a general contractor: how much does it cost to dig down a Chicago basement?  

One important detail is that my brother currently lives with us, and we are open to having him stay with us if we do make a purchase as a renter to help cover our mortgage.I see our main options as the following:1) Buying an SFDU to live in, and "house hack" with my brother continuing to live with us and pay rent2) House hacking with MFDU.

i would:-get the highest paying W2 job you can-save up enough to buy a house hack-house hackwhile you continue to learn and consider the other possibilities you mentioned.

Still learning about how it works but this is my understanding today.We have decided to continue with this deal, due to the location of the property, the fact by licencing the extension and renovating the building we should be able to get a price increase from a buyer as a private home.

Anyway thinking for a bit we will continue on this path and look for more old houses but, of course, the price has to be right vs the amount of work that has to be done. 

I’d recommend building relationships with agents and accountants familiar with these markets too—state-specific tax strategies could make a big difference in your bottom line.I’m excited to see how this plays out for you!