Quote from @Blake Winiecki: Figure out how much you want/need to earn, then reverse engineer it to see what options are available. 

There is 3-5% down payment options you can use.

The condo will limit the rental options to age restrictions. 

You will likely miss some deductions using the commercial tax software but it’s the cheaper option and starting out a couple hundred dollars in deductions missed likely isn’t that big of a deal.

Hi @Cosmo DePintoHave you considered a fully turn-key option? 

Both Ecobee and Honeywell are great options for smart thermostats so you can remotely control the temperature settings and set temperature ranges. 

Would a home equity loan be a viable option in this situation, especially in regards to eliminating some of the red tape I'm running into with a refinancing an scorp-owned property?

@German Fernandez Love those options!

I updated the bathroom/porch in the spring, and am finishing construction on a 2-stall garage (the previous garage was basically a large shed that I could not fit much in).Moving forward I am considering one of the following options to put my money and build equity:1.

With your focus in using house hacking, Conventional or FHA loans would be your best options.