Most have 10/20yrs to build a portfolio, and that necessitates leverage to maximize potentials. 

So far as I can tell, pretty much all traditional mortgages, as well as down payment assistance programs and low income grants, would both disqualify me based on the debt/income that a mortgage would put me at, and necessitate my occupying any purchased real estate as my primary residence. 

.- Permits from the county to do any modifications need to be pulled by a contractor, making repairs more expensive ( Down here a homeowner can be its own general contractor and use subs to do the actual work).

@Sada Rafi I just give them a 1 page addendum that says they are renewing the lease for xxx time period and what the modifications are (usually none, but sometimes things get tweaked).

Yurts are not eligible for an STR permit without major modifications in Joshua Tree or the surrounding areas.

There're quite number of houses with these layout on MLSin my area that's very suitable for househacking, and may/may not require househacking modification at all.I have two families of tenant in my primary , total  7 people ; but I never met them LOL, why ?

Make sure that the land contract gives you the right to make modifications to the property without vendor's permission (provided that you are not doing a knock down). 

Even with what are the best builders I normally see a laundry list of repairs and modifications needed.   

Only thing is when they do the inspection, they will nit pick even a unit in beautiful condition, and there will surely be some modification you will need to make your first go around.  

I definitely fall into the category of people who underwrite out deals only to see where my cash is and then make modifications to my spreadsheets to reduce my cash needs.