I'd probably look for an area that allows for accessory apartments or try to do some kind of duplex.

I'm 39 and live in Yorktown Heights, NY where I own a house with an accessory cottage which I rent out.

It could be a good accessory apartment if there was access from the back

Most zoning laws in most cities do not allow accessory dwelling units, (ADUs) in neighborhoods with single family zoning.  

@Russell Brazil what about creating an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) indirectly converting a single unit to a 2 unit. 

As others have pointed out, zoning can be interesting and may not allow for it to be rented out at all, let alone if you intended to cash flow on the primary dwelling as well as an accessory unit.

Hey folks,I have been thinking about this a little bit lately and felt like it was just a general topic that could be useful in this sub forum.While having an entire office, even at home, when you are just starting out is obviously a little over the top, what are some really useful habits, techniques, accessories / supplies, and apps/software that some of you more experienced investors used at the beginning and maybe even still use now that could be helpful for those of us just getting started?

Right now I live in the main part of the house, and rent by room to a group of 3 people, the accessory apartment is also rented.

However, per the Denver Zoning Code (DZC), STRs are accessory to primary residential use, meaning the overall character of theproperty should remain residential.

Permitted an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) by converting the existing 2-car garage and studio (720SF total) built in 1996 with a Certificate of Occupancy.