The smaller the loan size, the more you should consider paying a few points at closing so you are not looking to do another refi any time soon.

It was inspected as a duplex, and I'd bet it'll be appraised as a duplex as well (basically removing the oven gives the appraiser plausible deniability), which could create value issues and impact your DTI if you need to use rental income to qualify. 

I'm in the union on long island so I have a decent W2 job to help get started, I think a house hack would be my best bet starting out but, what do you guys think?

I bet they are pounding on this guy hard to. 

I bet Maine is GORGEOUS!!

Respectfully,Zach The best bet is likely to create a new LLC that lays things out in a straightforward but legally strong and standard operating agreement, etc. - LLC doc sets are fairly cheap and easy to create these days (with limited assistance from lawyers) and its much much better to have that cover bases on arrangements like this - it will also fit nicely with financing options - whether you take on debt from a lender in a co-equity situation like your first plan (refinance loan to LLC post rehab?)

Feel free to reach out anytime!

I'm here to grow, learn, and connect with you all, especially if you are in the San Diego area, please feel free to contact me anytime.

If you’re just saying the survey cost of getting the existing building layout documented is too much, you might be able to get creative and avoid the costs, but it’s not a great bet to make. 

We just found her through UpWork.com which is probably your best bet for quality VAs.