And do they accept counter-bids after initial bid is placed?

Initially, we wanted to  have the loan under my wife's name only but my the loan officer from the builder's lending arm told us that if I am in the buyer, the RE Agent and the mortgagor (in the loan), I could use my agent commission towards closing costs and down payment.

My initial investment there started off a bit rocky.

Sometimes tenants bite, sometimes they don’t, but it’s worth a shot.Owner Move-In: If you’re planning to live in one of the units, you might be able to legally take it back.

Also, keep in mind that if you do self manage, you do put yourself at more risk for a legal issues.

I don't want to rent it out as it seems like an electrical liability - and I'm not sure if renting it to others would be legally possible seems how we don't own the land.

The seller has the two lots legally separated, but due to deed restriction imposed by the subdivision development, found that building a house on the “tennis court” lot was not allowable. 

If you can add a legal ADU at $25k in the Austin area then you should add it.  

CA is brutal when it comes to taxes.I don't give tax or legal advice, but many people believe that holding the property in your name and having a good umbrella policy is a good solution.

This may result in late fees and eventual eviction if not cured within the legally provided time.