I'm still in the process of growing my portfolio, but have heard others 1031 all their smaller properties into a larger building and have a property management company manage, OR, set up a seller financing deal with another buyer that gives you the cash flow you desire. 

Media just chose to cherry pick this one.During the GFC I knew 3 folks in my business which is Real Estate business and building that also took their own lives as they lost most if not all their property or business's it happened.And myself I lost 95% of my money and business between 08 and 2011 and had to start all over from the bottom so I know how it feels.

A lot of people who househack do so as a basis for a strong financial future and to build generational wealth and financial freedom. 

It is done without prejudice and is simply a parting of the ways (eg tenant wants to move to another place, landlord wants to sell the property). 

You'll find the most success in a place you are familiar with and where you can build a solid team.

I’ve done a couple of fix and flips but I’m looking to build a rental portfolio.

They see foreigners as one-off buyers so they're not too much concerned about building a relationship or their reputation in the eyes of somebody who doesn't live there for that matter.

This reduces your housing payment and helps you build equity. 

I think new builds don't really work from an ROI standpoint, but if you can find properties that have easy ADU conversions then the value might be there.I'm in MA and we just made ADUs legal by right, so I'm looking into the best ways to add value using them.

Years ago I spent many months working in Indianapolis and staying at the Canal Street apartments.