I also wouldn't touch hilltop with a 10' pole. struggled. old homes, over budget renovations, lots of issues. realtors push people here since it's the only place cheap houses close to downtown can be good but homes are 1900-1920.

I've heard more than a few horror stories about people who lost everything doing just that. 

You might be some answers here but local people will be better. 

This is where people fly in, this is where jobs and internships are, and it's central to the entire Triangle.

Lots of people do short term rentals with pools, this is not very uncommon.

Because it takes repetition for people to remember things and you have to be top-of-mind when they encounter a potential client for you!

But it wa a decent gig for people until a year or two ago.

I'm a full time agent and investor in the area that works a ton with VA buyers and i LOVE helping people house hack, it is definitely my favorite strategy and my passion helping people do it.

Some people need 2% above the borrowing cost (8% cost of hELOC you gotta then make 10% + etc) and others will want to double their cost of capital or 200% so it depends.Everyone's going to give you their anecdotal experience or what their preferences are so its good to hear it all and determine your own.

People who have service dogs (or horses, as these are the only 2 service animals) that are genuine have no issue disclosing that on the front end and can answer the 2 questions easily - is the animal necessary for a disability, and what specific tasks has the dog (or horse, if you're getting one of those) been trained to perform?