I did that prior to having a family - now we live in a house that has a detached accessory dwelling unit out back so we are still house hacking but staying put for now 

If your neighborhood doesn't demand quartz counter tops with gold accessories...then there's no reason to pay for those items.  

I reached our to a mortgage lender & he is saying the only way I can purchase a multi-family is to purchase a single home with a separate accessory unit on the property (like a separate cottage or such) versus a duplex/triplex.I need to take advantage of the 3.5% down in order to make this work.

Why would it have to be a separate accessory on the property vs a duplex/triplex?

Instead of turning the garage into two rooms, what about having it be an entirely separate unit (like an Accessory Dwelling Unit)?

Purchase price: $445,000 Cash invested: $80,000 Sale price: $660,000 Contributors: Garrett Quinn, Megan Halter Nestled in a quiet cul de sac in the coveted Silverlake neighborhood on a level 10k+sf lot.

Other terms would be city zoning ordinance, planning and zoning, zoning guidelines.this will tell you if your property allows an accessory dwelling or a full on second detached dwelling (some allow duplexes but not 2 separate units).

(Accessory Dwelling Unit - AKA in-law suit)I want to build an attached ADU studio for myself and STR the rest of the house (4 beds/3 baths).Is there a negative stigma in any way when the owner is present on the side of the house? 

As long as it’s not on wheels and set on an actual foundation it is considered an accessory dwelling unit(ADU) and may require a form called Article S to be filed to permit use of course you still want to check if your county has additional permits required.

Luckily, no structural damage and it came with two just as tired accessory dwelling units.