Provo may allow you to rent out the accessory unit while you are living there, but you may not be able to rent out both units as a non-occupant owner.Check with the city on this and make sure it fits your strategy.Also, can't you recapture some of the utility costs from your tenants?

I am based in the Columbia, SC area and wanted to see what SM marketing methods seem to be working best for individuals finding the coveted "motivated seller" leads.

@Todd RyanThere will be zoning by-laws which prohibiting arbitrarily converting SFRs into 2-4 unit residential properties or multi-unit (5+) buildings in pretty much every municipality and city.There will be neighbourhoods zone specifically for SFRs (R1 & R2 here) which may or may not permit accessory apartments (aka Granny Suites).  

A good choice for a couch may be something stain resistant or with a washable slipcover. end tables, lamps, and accessories you can pick up easily at consignment shops.  

In DC you can add accessory dwellings in the basement like @Russell Brazil said but there are requirements. 

Home Goods or Pier 1 should be a good place for additional accessory items. 

Financially it makes sense and with laws regarding this type of accessory dwelling being less restrictive now it really makes sense.  

I bought a house that has an unpermitted accessory dwelling unit in Loma Linda CA.

The loan officer was able to get the property to go through as a single family home because the coach house was considered to be an accessory dwelling unit.

This subdivision is unique that we are still the delclarant and could change the HOA/CCR to reflect the zoning change:  (cue angry current home owners) (but allowed w/votes)2) USES PERMITTED OUTRIGHT: In the PCW-R3 zone, the following uses and their accessory uses are permitted outright, and are subject to all applicable supplementary regulations contained in this ordinance.