We build a 2004 square foot stacked triplex. the footprint of it is less than 1000 sq ft. it fits on a lot that is less than 3000 sq ft and most of the time we do it with variances.

You may also find certain markets where alternative rent strategies (MTR, STR, rent by room, etc) produce enough extra income to justify the increased work involved but the difference in income from the different rent strategies in many markets is just sufficient to justify the increase in effort involved.$100k is going to be challenging in coastal CA cities.  

@Rehaan KhanPlenty of very good real estate attorneys out there and especially good ones who will tell you you all the risk involved - which is why many shy away from many of the “creative” financing deals going on right now which are just unqualified buyers finding ways to buy a home and those attorneys do not want to be part of the lawsuits later on.

In other words a total stranger with no agent involved... 

Man I am not sure why I keep getting involved with this crap.Guys.. have fun ..I need to make some money!

I came from a traditional real estate background and got involved in land flipping years ago.

They are all very engaged and involved so I guess it all boils down to if you want passive invest in T-bills... if you want to earn better- get in the fight.  

But then on the closing side, the attorney side, etc - listing what each potential person who could or should be involved in the transaction and what their role is would probably be helpful for someone getting started.

As for STRs, they need more hands-on involvement and has higher start up costs.

Hey @Leeling Chew,Thanks for sharing all of this and I'm sorry this has all transpired for all parties involved.