I also don't know if there's a specific process we have to go through with the city for it to be recognized as a duplex down.Basically, I just don't know if the status as an illegal garden unit (the lack of ceiling height and correct zoning) prevents me legally from using the space for either of these ideas and legally, or if it's just dead space. 

@Choon Yee DeeRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Someone sent me this screen shot from a prominent real estate "guru's" social media.

I do not go around and tell my tenants that the most socially worthwhile and beneficial thing they're doing with their money is giving as much of it as they do to me.

He was thinking I needed to meet the rep status but no way was I because I had a w2 that year.So, track your hours for material participation and work your w2 without fear.

I run an AirB&B (with superhost status) in my home so am accustomed to sharing my space with others and being respectful of other's personal space.

Quote from @Daniel Okeefe: It could be a simple typo in the social security number or something else on the app.

You likely won't be able to offset the rental loss with your W-2 income unless you can claim real estate professional status or operate it as a STR and self-manage it.The answer won't change even if you own the property inside of an LLC.Best of luck.

Financial Preparation: Determine how much you can afford to invest and evaluate your present financial status.

CONTEXT-(30k in credit card debt, split between 4 cards, mostly in charged off status)(one vehicle loan that was charged off, is now caught up to current, not paid off, 50k original loan amount)(some card companies are contacting me trying to make a deal, so likely only have to pay 20k of debt off.