I've never heard of a Work Comp waiver - it's possible it exists in some states.If you have a person who would normally be defined as your employee for Work Comp purposes and they get seriously maimed on your project site I'm betting that waiver isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

It is very popular.

Looking at Airbnb/Vrbo (30+ day stays), Furnished Finder, and even scanning Zillow and Facebook group for comps is likely going to be your best bet.

I tell all my clients how important it is to buy with vacant units.If you only have $100K and living for free is an absolute must, then your best bet is to look in markets like Birmingham (I own a triplex there) or others in similar price points.

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/short-term-rental-loans-a...DSCR Loans: Terms to Know When Working With These Popular Rental Loanhttps://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/dscr-loans-terms-to-knowWhat’s Next For DSCR Loans?

And you are right, it is a big risk betting on the appreciation.Our strategy to wait to buy the bigger house originated from the multiple factors (interest rates, inflated prices, no need for moving just for elementary school and unstable professional life).

They bet on the Jockey more than the Horse. 

It is the most popular software in the industry and all CPAs know how to navigate it which is nice.How many properties do you have?

Your best bet would likely be to wait until you are surely moving and then look for a two-family to house hack in that area.

A popular strategy to execute the BRRRR method is purchase the property using a fix & flip loan and then do a cash out refi into a DSCR loan to recoup your equity.