A wealthy individual, a group of wealthy individuals, or a hedge fund is lending money, private money to strangers for the purposes of buying distressed, fixing the asset up, and either exiting through sale or refi.Just keep in mind t he relationship between maturity and interest rate. 

It has to be an addition.I would double check because maybe the workaround is reinforcing the garage and building above it.We lived in our studio ADU for two years before we moved into the main house.Best thing to do is talk to an experienced lender.

I wrote the above for informational purposes.

Quote from @Franklin Marquette: When building ADUs, do they generally create value uplift for the property in the same way that the main house is valued?

The process seems daunting and overwhelming, and I am not confident I will put the time in to talk to sources, analyze, and find properties for investing purposes.

I needed to read this because I find myself going back constantly on my property criteria so my main focus is house hacking my way to least 5 .

I understand the two main downsides of condos being monthly fees out of your control and little appreciation. 

I am looking to purchase real estate for both investment purpose as well as to offset as much tax liability as possible. 

Many are choosing the most expensive they can afford on purpose.

I want to ask about PA's multifamily (mainly duplex) scene in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh areas.Currently, I'm in my mid 20s and am starting a new job in PA.