What makes it slow in this case is that you don't really start seeing real cash flow until after year five but it's more effective than rentals in that there is little to no maintenance.Sure you can live in a home while fixing it up with the intention of selling it for a nice profit later but I think many people are already doing that and the buyers of slow flips now also have that opportunity without having to qualify with a bank.

I know how you feel coming from California, I used to live in San Diego.

I do plan to live in the vacant side at least for a year, with a VA loan after a year I can take out a loan on another property.

Im more a hands on learning definitely and as far as living in a unit i couldn't yet because its out of the kids school district  plus the limited space. but thats the goal, to buy a small air or inn to manage and run for work while still renting in our district and then looking to buy since we're renters again!

Similar, there is rules for footage to count as living space.  

Some investors prefer to start saving for these ASAP, while others plan to deal with them when they happen.The unknown is Maintenance costs, which are often dictated by how "hard" a tenant lives in a property.

I’m reading Lend to Live right now actually.

My properties are in TX, but I live in NV.

And answering your phone calls while watching the games does not turn your living room into a home office.

It's about having an income that will enable you to maintain your current standard of living for life.