These properties can provide cash flow and diversification while qualifying for favorable residential loans.

I am looking at a 5 unit building that I want to do a condo conversion on. 4 units would be vacant 1 has a rent controlled tenant in there who does not want to move. I would owner occupy it so I don't know if I have a...

Quote from @Zach Howard: I think it's probably better to hold real estate in an LLC than in my personal name.

I think it's just for text, not to talk with a live person.

I get that you are from there so you are getting emotional and taking my comments personal, which were not my intentions. 

I've done enough personal home projects to know, if I find a deck company it'll be 2k, but a GC will charge me 2.5k to over see it...

Owner occupied loans have allowed us to purchase properties in markets with heavy appreciation, and potential for huge rent increases.

Make sure you talk to a Banker or Loan officer that is well versed in both SE (Self Employed) income and also Non/QM programs.One tip I will give you as a Banker is open up a "Business Checking account" and for the next 12 months pay "Everything" out of that account. 

Don’t overlook the 10% down second home occupancy loan for financing a property like this.  

Once again, this matches my personal experience that the larger, more expensive properties continue to sell better than smaller properties.