Any guidance on neighborhoods, market trends, or the local real estate process would also be greatly appreciated!

@Aubrey Adams-Thanks for the post / question -I would recommend developing a hypothetical plan  ( purchase price / loan amt needed ) and get pre approved ..this process is free and it will help get you organized and also to educate you  in many ways ..if you never end up buying - no worries and no costs have been wasted 

Working on my first house hack, I was just wondering how everyone got their first house hack and how that process went for everybody.

A family member contacted me directly, so my agent hasn't been involved at all with this deal so far.In that case, the only reason that you would pay him the 3 percent is you wanted the assistance with the whole process from negotiation, home inspection, negotiating any repairs, mortgage and closing and title referrals.

(I was communicated that their was a kitchenette permit pulled for the garage by my real estate agent during the purchase process. )Any suggestion for temporary solutions for this would be greatly appreciated.

For the flip itself, this would mean a GC or better yet, have a crew there that can handle 60-70% of all the work meaning they are there working on it the day you close and stay there throughout the process till it's completed. 

He's a major hard money lender in town and has a fairly simple process to get quick funding.

That's nothing to write home about...

I have a team of 60+ vendors that have gone through a 5-step vetting process.

As long as your upfront with your process you'll make connections with great people.