This agreement is just like a listing agreement when you go list a home, you are hiring the right person for the job, so this is the same type of contract, but this person is hired to find you the right home. 

Quote from @Brandon Croucier: No need to be paying an upfront fee to a lender.As a lender it is our job to perform or we do not get paid. 

I do relatively well in my day job by today's standards but my hourly rate for self managing is closer to that of a surgeon. 

We don’t plan to leave jobs and live off of the portfolio but have it as a wealth generator aka hedge against future risks

You may also want to check the Columbus OH market - great macroeconomics with lots of job and population growth along with major companies developing here that drive strong rental demand. 

Over time, you’ll also have the option to raise rent to further improve cash flow.House hacking is an incredible way to learn, build equity, and set yourself up for future opportunities, it's how I started as well and it was the best decision I've made! 

Thanks to God I have a well paying job and plan to use that income for any issues that may arise like vacancy or maintenance expenses.

For multifamily deals, positive cash flow often comes from finding under-market rents where you can add value through light improvements or operational efficiencies.

I work a full time job at a wood shop building custom cabinetry.

The quality I can improve but once the limbs have hit 1 inch the value is impaired moving from A to B or lower quality.I’ll process logs, rough sawn, kiln dry, planed.