These included one of the outdoor lights not working, small common area repairs, tightening things, and a hole in a screen.

Many alternative lenders simply do not lend on mix-use real estate or require the commercial to residential exposure to be below certain thresholds.

There is simply a mindset of fear and uncertainty.  

Russell I had my first contract come in on one of my new builds and the commission was simply one of the line items in the addendum.. it became a negotiating point and thats what I did as the owner/seller I did my counter and part of it was a commission adjustment to the amount the agent put in the offer..

A lease is simply a contract and everyone agrees to those terms for a specific amount of time.

That will cover much of the issue and any remaining visible holes from the tack strip will be so close to the molding that it probably won't be noticeable from a standing position.

I’ll definitely go down that rabbit hole shortly! 

I'm looking for a little encouragement/advice on my situation.My goal is to house hack my first home purchase (because I simply don't see any other way to get into investing with my income).

When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging. 

Simply safe