-Why do the calculators tell me that it isn't as good a deal as my chicken scratch?

There are some niche programs out there that allow 5% conventional on 2-4 unit in theory but I've never managed to be able to fund them since the mortgage insurance companies were not able to insure them (chicken or the egg dilemma, both are needed).The reason Lee may have experienced a higher rate is because she may have elected for LPMI or lender paid mortgage insurance (MI) which means the monthly MI is absorbed or paid off for the life of that particular loan through the interest rate.

The chicken or the egg...which came first?  

Everyone ended up giving up more or chipping in more but I think in the end it will work out and I'm happy I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.I can't even calculate the number of phone calls over the past 2 months, and in the past two days between the two banks playing chicken with each other and me in the middle.

They've added a small "apartment" out back, a workshop, and a barn+chicken coop.

My farm house for example, has tons of cow/chicken/barn decorations that make it sooo cute but when I lived there full time it was more family pics less decor...same with the beach houses-we do some wacky fun things that make people feel like they are living the beach life, even if its just for a week. 

3 chickens please!

Which project is the chicken and which is the egg (order of rehab tasks)?

Good to learn from someone before you jump, I Opened Own and Operate 2 RAL for last 15 years in Arizona let me know if if need info helped 4 friends open theirs 2 sold couldnt do the whole 24/7 life , other one is a Nurse Practicioners doing it as as house hack ( probably not recomend it) , if it wasn't for dificulty to find workforce in this area ( think chicken processing plants in Alabama have easier time finding workforce) and the Department of Health Requirements and Licensure Requirements i would have 30

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!