Rents have gone down since I started my research.

To start out, I'm finding renters on my own and am not renting through AirBnb or VBRO.

Have recently started a renovation company with a friend, both of us successful business owners and talented in the trades.

Do you also use Redfin/Zillow as a starting point? 

That said, even with conservative rental income estimates, my living expenses would eventually drop to several hundred dollars less than what I’m currently paying in rent once the house hack starts generating income.I do have cash reserves to weather some rough patches, but the idea of pushing my budget this hard makes me uneasy.

Here are some financing options to consider:HELOC or Cash-Out Refi on Another Property – If you or your mom have equity elsewhere, this could be a more flexible and lower-interest option.Business Line of Credit – Since the property is in an LLC, you might qualify for a business LOC, which could cover construction costs.Private Money Lender – If you’re okay with 12-15% rates, a private lender could fund this as a short-term loan, especially if the guesthouse will generate strong income.Construction Loan – Some lenders offer short-term construction financing, which converts to a longer-term mortgage once completed.Seller/Partner Financing – Bringing in an investor or structuring a joint venture with someone willing to fund the build in exchange for a share of the income.Credit Card Stacking or Unsecured Business Loans – Riskier but could work if you need to bridge a gap until the unit starts cash flowing.Would love to hear more details—especially your timeline and expected rental income.

Quote from @Gregg Hutton: As a realtor who started as an investor first, I’ve noticed a huge mindset difference between investors and traditional homebuyers.

Hey AudreyHere's a list of things you should look for in your investment properties...Start by assessing the property’s curb appeal and exterior condition, checking the roof for damage and foundation for cracks or moisture.

I too never thought about a houseboat community until I owned a houseboat myself and started thinking of ways to make the investment make sense.

It’s a beautiful old house and would be a real gem if it was restored, but I don’t have the funds or a credit score good enough to get a loan that big (without an insane amount of interest tacked on).I’m hoping to turn someone on to it who loves restoring old properties, or start investing in a group that does and tell them about my house and invest as a team.