I cook my own food, can I bill myself for that and write off all my food costs? 

.: Give us the details and we can answer.

Gelbart: We are focusing on a very specific area to buy and hold multi-family rental properties.

You'll quickly learn how to manage investments well, which property types and neighborhoods work best, and more.

I have seen loan products that will let you purchase a mixed use property to live in the residential unit, but that is a specific product and you should consult and expert to see the best option for you and your cash on hand.  

I've looked into 6+ including calling and experiencing the customer service myself and have not found one that seems reliable.

I believe some of their people are likely here on the forums and can jump in, they also had a booth and sponsorship at last years BP con so if you went you may have seen them.I came across the service because I had a client who was going to self manage, and wanted me to lease the units for him, and the property was a mixed use building with his business operating out of the ground floor. 

I have been asking around to different lenders, both Conventional and DSCR, and have been asking what kind of criteria I need to meet in order to apply for pre-approval confidently.

With a syndication it's more passive, you partner with professionals and can access larger and higher quality properties.

Then I got a PM from a very well known and respected member telling me how to get it done.