When I had my traditional HML company and 100% of our funds were investors

Many don't come from traditional lending sources.

I've seen some people house hack a single family home by renting out the rooms, but keep in mind that traditional lenders would not be able to use the income from renting out the rooms (known as boarder income) towards additional income on the application.

Some areas have a steady need for traveling professionals, military families, or seasonal workers, which can give you different ways to structure your house hack beyond just a traditional long-term tenant.Your VA loan is a huge advantage because it allows you to buy up to four units with zero down.

Initially we did a light renovation on the rental unit and a larger renovation on the 1st floor.

This is the simplest method, but it also means your tenants are more likely to abuse the utilities by leaving windows open with the heat or A/C running, leaving lights on, ignoring the toilet that constantly flushes on its own, etc.3.

Traditionally, these would be a door and a window.Minimum ceiling height: At least half of the bedroom ceiling has to be at least 7 feet tall.Minimum window size: The window opening must be a minimum size, usually 5.7 square feet.A heating and cooling element: A heater (space heaters won't qualify) as well as a way to cool it down, whether that's by opening a window or AC.

If you find a seller willing to carry a note, you might be able to negotiate an arrangement that works without needing traditional bank financing.Another approach would be to partner with someone who has capital but lacks construction expertise.

I started by patching about a dozen (not small) holes in the wall, re-doing all the drywall in the bathroom, installing new shower plumbing, putting in recessed lighting, installing seamless LVP throughout, texturing/priming/painting all walls, installing new 5 inch pine baseboard all around, and installing custom bathroom vanity/pantry cabinets, and hanging new custom shaker doors in the kitchen.

If not, you could always maintain 2 separate IRA accounts, one self-directed for private lending, and then another for your traditional investing.