Long post here, but I am considering putting an offer on a property in Montgomery County, Maryland and converting the basement into an accessory dwelling unit. 

(Its craft show season and I dye, spin yarn, and knit apparel and accessories.  

The area is zoned for mixed commercial and residential use with the allowance of accessory dwellings.

However, if they're not technically separated, then I think you could live in one and the other would be considered an accessory unit, which IS allowed under the Aurora Airbnb law.

In case you haven't already done so, make sure you ask the zoning officer 1) if this 3rd rental unit is allowed in your zone (not as an "accessory apartment" but as a full-blown rental unit based on the zone the property is located in, and 2) if you'll be able to sell it as a condo down the road.

We are closing next week on a brick 4-unit (2-bd units) in the coveted Wauwatosa, WI  neighborhood at $167k. 

I would live in the small garage apartment/ accessory dwelling unit, while renting out the main house via section 8.

Its an accessory thats barely breakeven...

@Dominic LucarelliHere are the code violations:#1 [Front of property] 302.7 Accessory Structures - All retaining walls shall be structurally sound and in good repair - make repairs to retaining wall#2 [Front] 302.7 Accessory Structures - All porches shall be structurally sound and in good repair - make repairs to porch#3 [Front] 304.13 Window:: skylight and door frames - Every window:: skylight:: door and frame shall be kept in sound condition:: good repair and weather tight - Repair door frame#4 [Throughout] 304.13 Window:: skylight:: and door frames - Every window:: skylight:: door and frame shall be kept in sound condition:: good repair and weather tight - Repair windows#5 [Front] 304.10 Stairways:: decks:: porches and balconies - All stairways:: decks:: porches:: balconies and walkways shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair - Repair walkway and stairs#6 [Front] 304.12 Handrails and guards - Every handrail and guard shall be firmly fastened and capable of supporting normally imposed loads and shall be maintained in good condition. - repair handrail#7 [Throughout] 302.4 Overgrown weeds or grass - All premises and exterior shall be maintain free from weeds or grass in excess of 10 inches - Cut overgrowth#8 [Throughout] 307.1 Accumulation of rubbish or garbage - Property must be clean of all rubbish or garbage - Remove all rubbish and garbage-#9 [Throughout] 305.3 Interior surfaces - Cracked or loose plaster:: decayed wood and other defective surface conditions shall be corrected. - Repair walls

Or get cheaper cabinets but then add in some of the accessories, i.e. pull out shelves, no slame hinges, etc...Some higher end MDF the average person can't tell it's not real wood.I NEVER go to boutique, specailized stores for anything as they are always higher.