@Chris Seveney  Good mourning Chris thank you so much for this response. what are 3 really good books I can buy for Commericial Real Estate investing (I have the millionaire Real Estate investor by Gary Keller), I've also looked at some CRE courses and I noticed some of them are asking for a bunch of money which kind of sketches me out, and about the military I was firstly thinking of  buying a 4 unit property and live in one of them then buy another a couple then with that I can buy a bigger property that's the idea I had in my mind because my father kept on telling me how CRE is only for rich people and it's risky but that's what I want too do .

I think he's in the process right now so I'm not sure how it's turned out, but last time I spoke with him it seemed that it was going well.I always tell people looking to do co-living that there is a certain amount of risk that you have to be willing to take on.

I lived in CA for 20 years, and we had W2 employees in CO and NJ, where we do not own communities.Also, we take much pride in the work that we do to renovate the homes.

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 am considering buying a mobile home to place on the land I live on. 

If you plan to buy in your hometown, buy a 2-4 unit, and live in one of the units.

And lived in it for at least 2 out of the 5 years prior to selling. 

I'd buy where you live (within an hour or so) for your 1st investment!

I'd recommend working with a good strong property manager that lives in that area that can check on them.

The property has to be considered 'in service' for you to list it on your tax return.In service entails a couple of items such as1) The property is in livable condition - Working bathroom, kitchen and an area to live.2) The property was advertised for rent.Best of luck