I work with CSSI who are the nation's premier engineer-based cost segregation firm with over 45k is completed studies. 

Hard to prove anything and no one is going to be opening up the walls.

But, you don't have to be my age to study the negative effects of rent control, eviction moratoriums, forced section 8, etc.. 

You will have time depending on what you are studying.

I have had to prove my case with saved emails. 

. - Asset Protection Layout A CSS Decision Diagram flowchart intended to bring together all the various questions when assessing the benefits of a Cost Segregation Study (via a professional or DIY).Let me know if you have questions or want to chat further - I can give you my investor perspective - text me at 512-368-9940 and we can talk further.PS.

If you’re not dead set on house hacking specifically, I’ve got a couple of ideas that might get you started without having to prove income.

@Andrew Postell Getting this through my skull does seem to be proving difficult :)  Would going the LLC route allow me to (in theory) purchase a property December 1 2017 and refinance at 75% of appraised value on, say, Feb 1 2018 after rehab and tenant placement? 

They had been able to do this for a prolonged amount of time since the economy was still proving to be relatively good based on unemployment figures.

This is a great case study for folks on the fence about hiring a professional property manager.