Also if there are any necessary accessories I should be aware of, or general maintenance/upkeep tips, let me know.

Also, ADU stands for accessory dwelling unit.

Another great opportunity would be to build a DADU (detached accessory dwelling unit, essentially a carriage house) if you can get the right owner-occupied property that are zoned R80-R6, RM2-RM20-A, RM40-RM100A, OR20-OR40A and ORI and ORI-A AND in an historic overlay.

"ADU" stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit.

For example, I ask if they smoke or vape. 

The appraiser can't include the two accessory units and is only looking at this as a single family home with comps to support his valuation for the appraisal.  

House with an ADU (accessory dwelling unit).Best of luck!

Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac will not allow projected rental income (or existing rental income) to be used from a primary home unless it's a 2-4 unit property or one that has an accessory unit. 

Find a local agent or local investors in the area and ideally find a place that has accessory unit to it if the market has those types of homes, my first home i ever ourchased was a 4br 2bath with a studio 1bath accessory unit, and i run both as vacation rentals now and the studio essentially pays for the entire mortgage so all the income from my main house is net positive. 

A duplex or single-family home with an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) will let you have your own space while also offsetting your mortgage.