I bet that electric bill will be HIGH with that put in.

I tell all my clients how important it is to buy with vacant units.If you only have $100K and living for free is an absolute must, then your best bet is to look in markets like Birmingham (I own a triplex there) or others in similar price points.

AZ is a much safer bet for landlords/buyers.

And you are right, it is a big risk betting on the appreciation.Our strategy to wait to buy the bigger house originated from the multiple factors (interest rates, inflated prices, no need for moving just for elementary school and unstable professional life).

They bet on the Jockey more than the Horse. 

A home equity loan gives you an option of having fixed debt which is safer if you plan on using it to buy a long term rental buy and hold scenario.

In fact, even no one else and lose another month of rental income would be a safer option than to allow this person.

Your best bet would likely be to wait until you are surely moving and then look for a two-family to house hack in that area.

These loans DO meet my criteria, so I feel they are safer than many of the funds I looked at.If I'm in a state, like Texas, with great foreclosure laws, this, for me, is no more risky than buying the property for all cash at the price point equal to the loan balance.

Zoning issues are out of my league but bet you know how to make it happen with your expertise!