Don't have to be on the deed even to declare it your homestead.It may be splitting hairs, and I may have been unclear in my initial post, but I believe homestead laws are designed in part to protect non-title holding spouses, so if the new wife moves into her husband's house he cannot sell or mortgage without the wife's consent nor can it be forced to be sold to pay involuntary creditors (as opposed to voluntary creditors such as mtg/DOT lenders). 

It's a change but as you mentioned you don't want to down grade the property to a single family, but maintain the 2-family designation.

It’s also beneficial to look into population trends.

Please note the information provided below is a layman's definition designed to provide a basic understanding for the general audience.

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

BiggerPockets is full of resources designed to help you along your journey, whether you are just getting started or a seasoned investor.

But the trend to moving south is so strong that it might take decades before it reverses.

Please note the information provided below is a layman's definition designed to provide a basic understanding for the general audience.

As Waco continues to grow, which neighborhoods do you think are on the rise, and what indicators do you use to spot emerging investment areas?

I have experience with house hacking and am an interior designer by trade, I am very ready to start flipping homes in my area of Asheville, NC.