I've done three flips in Denver, where I live.  

Living in one unit and renting out the others allows you to deduct 75% of expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, and shared repairs as rental expenses, while the remaining 25% applies to personal use.

Not tracking.You're going to live in one of the units? 

Please feel free to direct message me if you live in the El Paso area and/or would simply like to connect, thanks!

We found that by more or less falling on our sword and saying, "Hey, we want you guys happy... tell us what you need from us" they were more than helpful and once we had contractors they liked on board the process went perfectly smoothly.I don't live near you so can't help with your locale... but hopefully some of it helps!

I live in Lancaster, PA and it's a lot here that's very positive.Our market is historically pretty stable and hasn't been subject to sharp increases followed by sharp decreases in property values.

I know in Philadelphia if I had a 2 BR house it would be viewed favorably by tenants who are seeking 2 BR living situations because most inventory will be apartment style living and for this reason would achieve a rent premium.

Need to see what your market you live and work in presents for these kind of opportunities.. 

It depends how long you plan on living.

We live, office, and Property Manage in Queen Creek and love it!