This eliminates the requirement for a new down payment since you are refinancing the existing debt.Lenders typically require:A copy of the owner-financing agreement.Proof of on-time payments (6–12 months).What to Do:Find lenders that offer rate-and-term refinancing for owner-financed properties (portfolio lenders and DSCR lenders often do this).Maintain a clean payment history.” 

That’s always going to win in the end as to coming out ahead as long as you make smart financial investments (such as maintaining control of your own investments, and making smart choices on properties that cash flow, etc).  

There are definitely some pockets of fairly priced duplexes to at least cover some of the mortgage, but tough to actually come out in the green monthly if you’re living in the other unit.

This ensures fair application of the law.

That's hitting the 2% "rule", and if you can maintain regular rent on that you've really hit a home run in today's market.

Quote from @Joe Mills: You are exempt if you meet one of the following requirements:Owner-occupied buildings Properties with four units or fewer that are owned and lived in by the ownerSingle-family homes Homes that are sold or rented without a broker by the owner, as long as the owner doesn't own more than three at onceIf those don't apply, then you must abide by Fair Housing and you must make reasonable accommodations for people with assistance animals.

In today's world you need to be about 28-35% down on properties to be gross cash flow positive, closer to 40-42% to be truly net cash flow positive(i.e 50% of your income goes to maintaining the property, other 50% is actually profit).My recommendation is to buy ideally a 4/3 SFR that's a starter-friendly one in a good area, and rent it out by the room.

I believe my price is fair with the comps in the area.

If they say put up higher railings, additional smoke detectors, etc, complete it promptly and document it.I've been in the landlord business for 20 years, and I've always kept my properties to code and well maintained. 

Our goal is to purchase two multifamily properties per year, and we want to ensure that we establish the most effective structure for asset protection from the outset.We’re exploring options such as Subsidiary LLCs, Parent LLCs, and Irrevocable Trusts to maintain both asset protection and anonymity.