I am eyeing up a property I want to buy that costs much more than usual so my plan was to use a hard money loan to purchase, and rehab it with my own money, then sell. 

I am now working as an engineer in the Twin Cities, but have plans of moving to Austin, TX with my wife to house-hack and work in the more plentiful tech market over there. 

You're better off opting for an interest-only mortgage, saving on payments, and then refinancing it into something more conventional when interest rates drop—or, if possible, making a plan to pay down the principal.Interest-only loans, which typically last for the first 5 to 10 years of the loan term, offer two key benefits.

She's been stuck with the city process and wanted some advice about how to get her plans approved.

You have a solid plan and it's working great!

I am just planning. 

I'm in the market for entity config and tax planning/prep.

I have drafted plans for covered patios and decks in Coronado, City and County of SD.

I think your plan has merit. 

Sometimes it makes sense to have a back up plan for a DST.