We are currently living just south of Boston and are looking to purchase a 2-4 unit property in which we would live in one of the units.

Just google the following: - special assessment - zombie condos - Florida condos (look for recent news)Since you are not living near the properties anyways, why not look in a landlord friendly state where the purchase prices are lower?

You track all of your expenses the same way irrespective of profitability. 

I know when you buy a foreclosure in Oregon and you intend to live in it you can evict.

Quote from @Jay Hinrichs: Quote from @Engelo Rumora: @David KanarekI don't think I have ever seen better investigative research than this.Hat's off to you and sorry for your troubles and everyone else's.Please don't investigate me haha Engelo as someone that has taken this kind of abuse on BP and SM  and lived to fight another day I think you understand better than most investors mind set and how they feel or attack if their deal does not go right.  

And i found launch control but the minimum is $500 a month, but they use cross-referencing data across sources to find the most accurate contact information by using a person's name and address to find their phone number, real address and email by accessing public databases, phone number directories, credit reports, utility bils, public tax records, and social media profiles. this is waaay expensive for me as a beginner. what do you suggest or if anyone has any suggestion I'd greatly appreciate it.??

If that is the case, then you are good to go.Next thing will be to not rent anything until you get a real live lease and rental agreements.

Better sell everything and live in an underground bunker. 

Is it an automated voice attendant, is it a call center where you are routed to someone else eventually to get an answer, or is it a live, well trained staff member?

I plan on living in one side and renting the other side out.